The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama will soon unveil an unprecedented and uncompromising crackdown on illegal small-scale mining, locally known as galamsey.
This announcement comes after a tragic helicopter crash on August 6 in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, claiming the lives of eight people, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, August 14, Mr. Ablakwa said President Mahama has made it clear that the illegal mining menace will be confronted with unmatched determination. “I can confirm to you that you are going to see a fight that has never been witnessed before in this country.
President Mahama is going to lead a very ruthless and relentless fight against galamsey. He didn’t mince his words. We had a brief cabinet meeting and the President was very clear that he would lead a war we have never seen before to stop this existential threat confronting us,” he stated.
The upcoming measures, according to Mr. Ablakwa, will mark a new phase in the government’s anti-galamsey campaign. These will include decisive policies and operations aimed at protecting the environment, safeguarding water resources, and preserving livelihoods in affected communities.
