President John Dramani Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has declared a national emergency in response to the spike in illegal mining activity in several regions of the nation and vowed to step up efforts to confront the escalating situation.
He reaffirmed the government’s determination to crack down on illicit mining activities and specifically denounced the environmental damage that galamsey had caused in Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi Anhwiaso.
President Mahama made the following remarks at a durbar on Tuesday, July 15, while on his “Thank You Tour” of the Western North Region: “We are alarmed by the environmental destruction that is reported across Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi-Anhwiaso, mainly due to illegal mining. I must be honest, this is a national emergency.
The national taskforce will continue its efforts to halt illegal mining in our forest reserves and on our water bodies,” he said.
Additionally, he sent a strong warning to so-called anti-galamsey task groups that are allegedly extorting small-scale mining firms with licenses.
“I have also noticed the activities of the illegal anti-galamsey taskforces that go round extorting money from legitimate small-scale mining companies.
“I have requested the authorities to arrest and prosecute any individuals involved in this illegal anti-galamsey activity,” President Mahama warned.
KA
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