Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has reiterated the government’s strong commitment to tackling illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, and deporting foreign nationals engaged in the destructive practice.
Addressing the Ghanaian community in Lagos, Nigeria, Ablakwa highlighted President Mahama’s firm stance on protecting the country’s natural resources. He emphasized that illegal mining in Ghana’s rivers and forest reserves will not be tolerated, stating, “President Mahama has said that he will not allow any mining in our river bodies or forest reserves.”
The Minister revealed that the government will soon launch a comprehensive military operation aimed at clearing illegal miners from restricted areas. “In the next few days, we’re going to round people up and prosecute them,” Ablakwa announced, adding that the operation would specifically target foreign nationals involved in galamsey.
Ablakwa also mentioned that numerous deportations of foreign nationals have already been carried out, although these actions have not been widely publicized. “A lot of deportations have already taken place; we’ve just not been making a public spectacle of it,” he said.
The Minister noted that tackling repeat offenders, particularly those who return to restricted zones after being cleared by military operations, will be a key focus of the government’s strategy moving forward. He expressed optimism that these efforts will improve the country’s water quality and address the problem of water turbidity caused by illegal mining.
In his appeal to the Ghanaian community in Nigeria, Ablakwa urged their support for the government’s efforts to combat galamsey, assuring them that every necessary measure will be taken to resolve the issue and safeguard the country’s natural resources.
