President John Dramani Mahama will spearhead what government describes as a “relentless and ruthless campaign” to end illegal mining, or galamsey, once and for all, Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced.
He said: “There was no ambiguity in Cabinet today. The President will lead a war against galamsey the likes of which we have never seen before. It will be ruthless, relentless, and aimed at eradicating this canker permanently.”
The Minister emphasized, “I can confirm to you that you are going to see a fight that has never been witnessed in this country.”
Mr. Ablakwa, speaking at the signing of the book of condolence for the victims of the recent helicopter crash at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, said the tragedy had deepened government’s resolve to confront the menace, which he described as a grave and existential threat to Ghana’s future.
He said the President’s stance was not simply about enforcing environmental regulations but about protecting lives, safeguarding national security, and honouring the memory of the fallen officers who had been committed to the nation’s progress.
“Illegal mining continues to destroy our water bodies, degrade our environment, and endanger communities,” he stated.
The Minister said the sacrifice of the ministers and service men must inspire a decisive national effort to end the illegal mining scourge.
He said government would employ every available legal, operational, and diplomatic tool to dismantle the networks that sustain illegal mining.
Mr. Ablakwa called for national unity in the fight, stressing that the success of the campaign would require cooperation from traditional leaders, local authorities, civil society, and citizens in affected communities.
He said the fight was not for government alone and that it was one for the country’s sustainability.
The Foreign Minister warned that the scale of the problem meant the measures ahead would be tough and potentially disruptive to those benefiting from illegal mining but insisted that the long-term benefits far outweighed the short-term discomfort.
The Minister stressed that the campaign was also about honouring the memory of the fallen officers, saying: “I believe that as a nation we should all commit that this ultimate sacrifice shall not be in vain, that we shall honour their memory by ensuring that this galamsey menace…we will deal with…once and for all.”
He explained that protecting the environment and preserving water bodies for future generations would be one of the most fitting tributes to their service.
He noted that the recent tragedy had united Ghanaians in grief and reminded the nation of the urgent need to protect its natural resources.
“It is also important to immortalize their memory by ensuring that we protect our environment, we protect our waterbodies, and we keep this country safe for the generations coming after us,” he said, adding that the fight against illegal mining was a fight for the country’s long-term survival.
Source: GNA
The post President Mahama will lead “relentless and ruthless” war on illegal mining – Ablakwa appeared first on Ghana Business News.
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