Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad, Ghana’s Minister of Environment, called galamsey an act of terrorism and vowed to combat it without sparing anyone, regardless of political ties. He emphasized the need for collective action to protect lives and announced plans for alternative livelihoods and better environmental practices.
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad, Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, equated illegal mining, known as “galamsey,” to terrorism and pledged to address it firmly without regard to political affiliations. He remarked, “We will not spare anyone involved in this evil, including our NDC members caught in this act,” emphasizing the collective responsibility of Ghanaians to combat illegal mining as a moral imperative to protect lives.
This statement follows an interim report from an 18-member Working Committee formed by the government to assess and improve the small-scale mining licensing regime. Dr. Muhammad highlighted that the fight against galamsey is crucial for survival, noting the multi-faceted nature of the challenge and the need for a comprehensive approach to resolve it.
He further stated, “We will not spare anybody engaging in terrorism on our land. Those hiding behind political clothing will be exposed,” underscoring the government’s commitment to tackling this issue. Additionally, alternative livelihood programs will be introduced for those previously involved in illegal mining to support their transition to lawful employment.
The Minister called on civil society organizations and the media to raise awareness about the dangers posed by galamsey. He also stressed the importance of adopting sustainable environmental practices to protect water bodies and forest reserves.
Moreover, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, announced the revocation of all small-scale mining licenses granted after December 7, 2024. A Technical Review Committee has been established to audit and validate existing licenses, with non-compliance resulting in automatic loss of license.
In summary, the Ghanaian government, represented by Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad, has declared a resolute stance against illegal mining, likening it to terrorism and vowing to hold all offenders accountable, regardless of political affiliation. With the implementation of alternative livelihoods and heightened public awareness, the government seeks to eradicate galamsey while promoting sustainable practices in natural resource management.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
