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President John Mahama has commended the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, along with the anti-illegal mining task force for what he called promising advancements in Ghana’s ongoing battle against illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
Addressing the 77th Annual New Year School at the University of Ghana, President Mahama remarked that initial indicators of environmental recovery, especially the slow restoration of polluted rivers, suggest that the challenging fight against galamsey is starting to show positive outcomes.
“I want to commend the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in the fight against galamsey,” the President remarked, recognizing the efforts of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), the Environmental Protection Agency, and other parties engaged in enforcement.
President Mahama acknowledged that the fight against illegal mining has been quite challenging, pointing out that the activity is deeply rooted in certain communities, occasionally resulting in opposition and violent assaults on enforcement teams.
“It has so entered the fabric of our people that it’s not been an easy fight. Communities have mobilised to attack the task force when they have gone to enforce the ban,” he said.
“So I’ll encourage the task force, the Minister, the EPA, all of those involved, please don’t give up.”
The President recounted a recent visit to the Crown Forest area, where he observed visible improvements in the condition of the Ayensu River.
“When I asked about the river, they told me that six months ago the water was the colour of coffee. Today, it is the colour of light milo,” President Mahama said, attributing the improvement to the work of river guards and upstream operations by anti-galamsey teams.
He called on the Lands Ministry and its collaborators to enhance their initiatives, emphasizing that environmental conservation is key to his administration’s development priorities.
“We’re implementing sustainable mining practices, protecting forests and water bodies, investing in renewable energy, and strengthening climate adaptation for vulnerable communities,” the President remarked, noting that the observable benefits should encourage further efforts in the struggle rather than encourage withdrawal.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
