The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to tackling the rising threat of illegal mining, which has caused significant environmental damage across the country.
Amid rising public anxiety over the destruction of vital water and forest resources, Mr. Jinapor emphasised that government is preparing to take swift and decisive action to curb these illegal activities.
Speaking in a radio interview, the minister dismissed claims government has lost momentum in the fight against galamsey – announcing that an emergency meeting will be convened to reassess and strengthen anti-galamsey efforts.
“We are going to ramp-up enforcement,” he said, revealing plans to immediately deploy security forces to most-affected regions, including the Central Region which has seen heightened illegal mining activities.
“We are 1,000 percent certain that within the next 24 hours we will secure the necessary resources and move in swiftly. Law enforcement agencies will be deployed for a complete swoop on all affected areas,” Mr. Jinapor stated.
He stressed that government remains resolute in its mission to restore the country’s degraded natural resources, which have been severely impacted by illegal mining operations.
The minister’s remarks follow a warning issued by Ghana Water Company Limited, which recently announced wate- rationing in parts of Cape Coast, Winneba and Mankessim due to pollution of water-bodies caused by illegal mining.
The growing public outcry has placed increased pressure on government to take stronger measures against galamsey.
Mr. Jinapor assured that an imminent review of the situation – along with deployment of security forces – will mark a renewed and more aggressive approach to eradicating the menace. “You can be assured that we will not rest until the issue is resolved and our water and forest resources are fully restored,” he added.
