The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, warning that the country’s food security and future are under serious threat.
According to the Ministry, disturbing reports of deformed babies and traces of harmful chemicals like mercury found in foodstuffs sourced from galamsey-prone areas are clear evidence of the devastating impact of illegal mining on the environment and public health.
While Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) continue to mount pressure on the government to take more decisive action, the Ministry says it has already rolled out several initiatives aimed at combating the menace, which are yielding positive and tangible results.
Speaking at the annual Harvest and Thanksgiving service of the Methodist Church in Baatsona, Accra, the Director of Communications of the Ministry, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, said: “Galamsey is poisoning our food and our future; we can’t sit aloof and unperturbed. Every well-meaning Ghanaian needs to support the government’s efforts in this fight.”
Ms Mawuenyefia acknowledged the calls by CSOs for the declaration of a state of emergency in forest reserves. She further stressed that under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama and the Lands Minister, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, water bodies and forest reserves have been declared security zones, and any recalcitrant attempt to mine in those areas is done at the individual’s own risk.
“We are certain this approach will tackle encroachment and preserve the soul of our environment,” she added.
The Communications Director also urged interested small-scale miners to partake in the government’s Responsible Mining Programme (rCOMSDEP) for a more sustainable approach to mining.
“President Mahama’s government is not against mining. What we are saying is that mining must be responsible and operate within the law. We have introduced several measures, including the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme, to provide a pathway for sustainable mining.”
As part of her visit, Madam Ama Mawusi made a donation of an undisclosed sum to the Methodist Church to support the construction of a new Sunday school building.
