President John Dramani Mahama has described the illegal mining activities as a national emergency.
He had therefore pledged to deal with the crisis that has destroyed water bodies and forest reserves.
The president made reference to the environmental destruction caused by galamsey in Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi Anhwiaso, stressing that his administration will deal ruthlessly with those involved.
Speaking at a durbar during his ‘Thank You Tour’ of the Western North Region on Tuesday, July 15, President Mahama stated:
“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.
He further cautioned the anti-galamsey task forces that are reportedly extorting money from licensed small-scale mining operators.
“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 added.
Call by the National House of Chiefs
The National House of Chiefs made a passionate appeal to the president to deal decisively with the crisis.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, President of the National House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso in the Western North Region, who made the call, lamented that illegal mining remains a threat to our environment and human life.
“Galamsey is destroying our water bodies and causing harm to our environment. I know the president has made several commitments to fight this canker. We acknowledge his efforts, but the situation is getting worse, and we want the government to crack the whip and deal with it once and for all.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
