By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, July 15, GNA – Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has underscored the government’s commitment to address the menace of illegal mining (galamsey) in the country.
“The battle against illegal mining is difficult, but the Ghanaian spirit is stronger. We will not retreat. We will not relent. We will not surrender,” the Minister stated.
“Together, we shall reclaim our rivers, restore our forests, protect our natural wealth, and secure a greener, stronger, and more prosperous Ghana for generations yet unborn. Together, we shall win this fight.”
Mr Buah made the remarks when he took his turn at the Government’s Accountability Series Press Conference held at the Presidency in Accra.
Highlighting from restoring the nation’s forests and protecting rivers, to reforming mining laws, modernising land administration, and strengthening natural resource institutions, one message was clear in Mr Buah’s presentation: “Ghana’s natural resources will no longer be managed for the benefit of a few, but for the prosperity of all”.
The Minister reiterated that there comes a defining moment in the life of every nation when its people must choose whether to protect their inheritance or surrender it to lawlessness; saying “That moment is now”.
Mr Buah said the fight against illegal mining was a defining environmental battle of their generation.
“Our rivers are not for sale. Our forests are not expendable. Our mineral wealth is a sacred national inheritance that we have a duty to protect,” he said.
“Let me be clear, the era of impunity is over. The Government will continue to pursue every individual, every financier, and every criminal syndicate that profits from the destruction of our environment.”
“But this battle cannot be won by the Government alone; it is Ghana’s fight. I call on all traditional leaders, religious leaders, miners, security officers, media houses, communities, and citizens to stand on the side of our nation,” he added.
He said during the period under review, NAIMOS sustained nationwide operational tempo against illegal mining (galamsey) across six endemic regions, namely Ashanti, Western, Western North, Eastern, Bono/Ahafo and Central.
He said a total of 200 operations were executed across 53 districts, recording an operational strike rate of 84.1 per cent.
The Secretariat, he said, conducted 169 enforcement operations targeting illegal mining sites, forest reserves, river bodies, and concession encroachments.
Mr Buah said the combined output of these operations was summarised as follows: 207 suspects arrested, comprising 161 Ghanaians and 46 foreign nationals, explaining that the suspects were processed and handed over to the security services for appropriate action.
Mr Buah said between January and June this year, 78 excavators had been seized and 90 excavators immobilized on site, while 2,800 chanfangs were destroyed on river bodies across the endemic regions.
The Minister said 1,244 makeshift structures associated with illegal mining camps were also destroyed, whereas 302 water pumps, 31 vehicles, 72 motor bikes, 18 generators, two pay loaders, five gold detector machines, three outboard motors, three weighing scales and two mini car washing machines were also retrieved from active and abandoned galamsey sites.
He said the water pumps had been handed over to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to support the government’s irrigation efforts.
Mr Buah said 112 pump action rifles, two sidearms, two locally manufactured rifles and 1,637 rounds of assorted ammunition recovered, removing illicit firepower from mining enclaves.
He said the weapons and ammunition have been handed over to the Ministry for the Interior for destruction.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei