President John Mahama has issued a stern warning to individuals profiting from environmental destruction, declaring that his administration will not hesitate to clamp down on activities that endanger the nation’s natural resources.
Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed cabinet ministers at the Jubilee House, the President described the ongoing devastation of Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies through illegal mining—popularly known as galamsey—as one of the single greatest threats to national survival.
“We cannot fold our arms and watch a greedy few compromise the future of our children for short-term financial gain,” Mahama stated.
He emphasized that the government would enforce the law firmly, regardless of who is involved.
The warning came as Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings officially took the oath of office as the Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, alongside Mahama Ayariga, who assumes responsibility as the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs.
President Mahama tasked both ministers to immediately prioritize the campaign against environmental degradation, noting that local authorities and environmental regulators must work in lockstep to halt illegal operations in mining areas.
He highlighted the crucial role of local government structures and traditional leaders, urging Mr. Ayariga to actively engage chiefs and district assemblies in safeguarding lands within their jurisdictions.
For her part, Dr. Rawlings is expected to lead policy frameworks aimed at restoring degraded land surfaces, protecting polluted river bodies like the Pra, Birim, and Ankobra, and driving sustainable science-backed solutions.
The President’s remarks arrive amid growing public outcry from civil society organizations, trade unions, and environmental activists demanding decisive action against illegal small-scale mining. The practice has severely polluted critical drinking water sources, depleted cocoa farms, and led to severe deforestation across several regions, including the Western, Eastern, and Ashanti Regions.
Addressing the newly sworn-in leaders, President Mahama reiterated that public office is a duty to protect the state’s collective well-being rather than accommodate partisan or commercial interests.
Both ministers pledged to execute their mandates aggressively to protect Ghana’s heritage and restore environmental integrity across the country.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana