Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has warned the nation’s unlawful mining operators that the government will fight a fierce, retaliatory, and unrelenting campaign against the threat of illegal mining.
He asserts that the government is committed to accomplishing a number of objectives, including regaining lost forest reserves, repairing the color and quality of water bodies harmed by galamsey activities, and safeguarding biodiversity.
The government will not give in until these objectives are met and a long-term, sustainable plan is put into action, he emphasized.
The Lands Minister warned illegal miners nationwide to put down their tools and leave the forest and river bodies before they are caught, following a fact-finding mission in partnership with the Ministries of Defense and Interior to save the Shelter Belt Forest Reserve.
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah provided additional information about the operation, stating that illicit mining operations have taken over thirty (30) hectares of land in this region alone.
Illegal mining activities in Forest Reserves have caused the nation to lose almost 5000 hectares of land overall.
He lamented the state of affairs and said that Ghanaians face an existential threat, hence it cannot be allowed to continue. He claimed that the President had given him the order to expel the illegal miners from their hiding places.
“With the unwavering support of my colleagues, the Defence Minister, Dr. Omane Boamah; Interior Minister, Hon. Mutaka; and Dr. Frank Amoakohene, we deployed the military to the forests to clamp down on these illegal operations,” the minister stated.
A total of fifteen excavators were confiscated during the operation.
The Minister disclosed that the government intends to use the confiscated machinery to build roads. He pointed out that the government of H.E. John Dramani Mahama would not dismantle or burn excavators that were seized at galamsey sites; instead, he would use them to build roads around the nation, which he feels is a more creative and intentional strategy.
“This, however, is not the end. Investigations are ongoing, and we are working closely with the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. This is not an exercise in futility. We are resolute in our mission. We will not rest until those responsible for this environmental carnage are held accountable, including their accomplices,” he said.
He also emphasized that the government’s efforts to end illegal mining have only recently begun, but that despite this, the Offin Shelter Belt forest operations and the Ankobra River operation, which resulted in the arrest of seven Chinese nationals and eight Ghanaians, are already showing results.
Additionally, he reiterated the necessity of Ghanaians working with the government in the battle, emphasizing the value of a comprehensive force in addressing and eliminating the threat.
“As I have stated before, and I reiterate today, we will not relent in this fight. This is a battle for all of us—every Ghanaian who values our environment, our health, and our future. I urge all well-meaning Ghanaians to join us in this critical fight. Together, we can win this war,” he said.
The Hon. Minister emphasized that such acts should not be tolerated and denounced the recent attack on the Citi FM journalists.
Full Statement Below:
Source: newsthemegh.com