Lydia Opoku, the Acting Executive Director of the Forest Services Division of the Forestry Commission, has urged for increased protection for Forest Guards who are combatting illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey. She stressed the importance of support from local chiefs and community members, particularly in areas affected by this illicit activity. Opoku pointed out that individuals involved in galamsey are often backed by armed thugs who carry sophisticated weapons, making the situation more dangerous for those trying to address the issue.
Speaking to journalists in Kumasi, on Thursday, May 8, after touring some galamsey sites, Lydia Opoku said that an intervention from local authorities will help. “The miners are being protected by armed tasks, and we cannot match the sophisticated machines they are holding. So, we are pleading with the communities, chiefs, to assist to protect the Forestry Commission to protect the forest,” he stated
Meanwhile, as part of the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining, 453 personnel under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Blue Water Initiative, have been trained for four weeks of intensive training at the Ghana Navy Forward Base in Ezilibo, located in the Jomoro District of the Western Region. They are scheduled to be deployed within one week to support the Ghana Navy in safeguarding the country’s major rivers from the activities of illegal miners, commonly referred to as galamseyers.
By: Sammi Wiafe
