Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has reiterated the government’s commitment to deporting all foreign nationals involved in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. Speaking to members of the Ghanaian community in Lagos, Nigeria, the Minister emphasized President Mahama’s position on protecting the country’s natural resources. “President Mahama has said that he will not tolerate any form of mining in our river bodies or forest reserves,” he stated.
He revealed that a military operation will soon begin targeting illegal miners. “In the next few days, we’re going to round people up and prosecute them,” he said, referring to the upcoming military deployment. Ablakwa also disclosed that several deportations have already taken place, though the government has not publicized them widely. “Already, a lot of deportations have been carried out. We’ve just not been advertising them,” he added.
He emphasized the need to crack down on repeat offenders who return to restricted zones after military operations have cleared them. The Minister expressed optimism that once government actions are fully enforced, the country’s water turbidity will improve. He passionately appealed to Ghanaians in Nigeria to support the national effort to combat illegal mining, assuring them that every necessary measure would be taken to bring the menace under control.
By: Fred Duhoe
