File photo of illegal miners at work
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has reaffirmed its commitment to combating illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Media Relations Officer, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, announced that the government is finalizing plans for a renewed and relentless campaign against the menace.
In an interview with TV3, Schandorf dismissed calls for the disbandment of anti-galamsey taskforces, particularly those coordinated by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
He emphasized the effectiveness of NAIMOS, citing a recent collaboration with the Nzema East Blue Water Guards, which led to the displacement of illegal miners, the seizure of 50 chanfans, and other significant strides in curbing illegal mining activities.
“Structurally and administratively, there is only one body that coordinates all anti-illegal mining operations across the country, and that outfit is the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat,” Schandorf stated.
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“Indeed, as of just yesterday, they collaborated with the Nzema East Blue Water Guards, displaced some illegal miners, seized 50 chanfans, and made other relevant inroads,” he added.
His remarks were in response to a call by Joseph Yamin, National Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who urged the President to disband all anti-galamsey taskforces, alleging that they are worsening the situation through bribery and extortion.
However, Schandorf refuted these claims, asserting that no credible evidence of misconduct has been linked to NAIMOS.
“When allegations of this nature are levelled, we investigate and often find that if they do not involve NAIMOS, then there is really no cause for concern,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s proactive stance, Schandorf revealed that plans are well advanced to launch a revitalized campaign against galamsey.
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“The government has assured that it is going to launch a relentless and revived fight against illegal mining. As I speak to you, plans are afoot and far advanced in that regard,” he disclosed. “In the coming days, I’m confident that the new raft of interventions will be formally communicated, allowing for a national assessment of the renewed measures being employed to decisively tackle the menace.”
He concluded by underscoring the Ministry’s unwavering commitment, under the leadership of Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to reclaim Ghana’s devastated forests and water bodies.
He assured that official communication detailing the specific interventions would be released soon, enabling Ghanaians to evaluate the government’s renewed efforts.
Meanwhile, watch the trailer to GhanaWeb’s upcoming documentary on teenage girls and how fish is stealing their futures below:
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