The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, expressed that illegal miners, also known as galamsey operators, should be regarded as “terrorists” who are actively jeopardizing the lives of Ghanaians. “We cannot allow a small number of individuals to profit at the expense of millions of Ghanaians and harm our lives.
We must start to view them as dangerous terrorists,” he stated. The Minister made these remarks during a press briefing on Thursday, April 3, highlighting the urgent need for a collective effort to end the devastating effects of illegal mining in the country. His statements come amid growing concerns regarding the environmental and social consequences of galamsey, which has been a significant issue for a long time in Ghana.
“You cannot have a country where your water systems are so polluted that the turbidity levels are 5,000 to 12,000 when it should be 500, it means we are drinking poison,” he bemoaned. He reiterated the government’s commitment to using all available resources to combat illegal mining activities that have been ravaging forests, water bodies, and farmlands across the country. The Minister also added that the government is ready to welcome any small-scale miner through the right procedures.
“If anybody wants to do genuine small-scale mining, this government is committed to guiding them, giving them licenses, and guiding them on the path of doing small-scale mining in a more responsible and sustainable manner,” he said. He called for a collaborative effort to fight against the menace, saying, “This is what must be a collective fight.”
By: Albert Kuzor
