The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, has assured the public of a swift and decisive government action to combat the menace of illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
According to him, the action is in response to growing fears over the devastating impact of galamsey, which among other things, is threatening the nation’s sources of water.
During an appearance on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Mr. Jinapor dismissed claims that the government had relaxed its efforts in the fight against galamsey.
He announced that an emergency meeting would be held to address the issue, emphasising that security forces would be promptly deployed to affected areas to tackle the situation head-on.
“We are going to conduct a review today and I’m 1,000% certain that we are going to deploy. We will ramp up our enforcement measures and conduct a complete swoop, particularly in the Central Region,” the Minister stated.
He assured the public that the government is committed to restoring the country’s water bodies and forest resources, which have been severely impacted by illegal mining activities.
OUTCRY
This assurance follows recent public outcry for stronger action against galamsey, particularly after the Ghana Water Company Limited announced that it had been forced to ration water supply to parts of Cape Coast, Winneba and Mankessim due to pollution of water sources by illegal mining.
The MP for Damongo, Samuel A. Jinapor, reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving the crisis, stating that “Within the next 24 hours, we’re going to find the resources and move them.”
The Minister reassured Ghanaians that the fight against galamsey remains a top priority for the government.
SPEAKER
This week, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, issued a stern warning to Members of Parliament involved in illegal mining activities, commonly known as ‘galamsey’.
He highlighted concerns that some MPs are collaborating with those engaged in the illicit practice for financial gain.
Speaking on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, during a two-day emergency sitting of Parliament, Speaker Bagbin urged lawmakers to steer clear of such activities.
The session featured intense debates, with MPs from both sides of the House criticising the state’s inability to effectively tackle the issue.
In his remarks, Speaker Bagbin emphasised the importance of Parliament setting a positive example in the fight against illegal mining and called on all MPs to demonstrate a commitment to ending the practice.
“Who are those participating in the galamsey? If we take a census, some of you will be there and the people you are talking to are aware – it is not that they are unaware. They are aware that some of you are participating in it,” he said.
Mr Bagbin continued; “So please, first desist from doing it yourself. Don’t go to them for money for your campaigns. Don’t solicit their votes. Let them see your work. Truly, it is a disgrace that we’ve gone this far. Look at the water – horrible.”
