President John Dramani Mahama has sounded the alarm over the devastating impact of illegal mining, declaring it a national emergency that demands swift and decisive action.
Speaking during a durbar on his ‘Thank You Tour’ of the Western North Region on Tuesday, July 15, Mahama expressed deep concern over the environmental degradation witnessed in communities such as Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi Anhwiaso.
“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,” Mahama stated.
He underscored the continued threat illegal mining poses to forest reserves and vital water bodies and reaffirmed his commitment to restoring environmental integrity through the national anti-galamsey taskforce.
“The national taskforce will continue its efforts to halt illegal mining in our forest reserves and on our water bodies,” he pledged.
However, the former president also took a strong stance against corruption and abuse within the fight against illegal mining. He condemned the operations of unauthorized groups masquerading as anti-galamsey enforcers who have been extorting money from licensed small-scale miners.
“I have also noticed the activities of the illegal anti-galamsey taskforces that go round extorting money from legitimate small-scale mining companies,” he revealed.
Mahama issued a stern warning to such individuals, urging law enforcement agencies to take immediate action.
“I have requested the authorities to arrest and prosecute any individuals involved in this illegal anti-galamsey activity,” he cautioned.
Mahama’s remarks come amid rising public frustration over the inability of successive governments to bring illegal mining under control, despite its destructive toll on Ghana’s environment and communities.
