President John Mahama has declared the widespread environmental devastation caused by illegal mining a national emergency and has promised urgent action to address this growing crisis. During a durbar as part of his ‘Thank You Tour’ in the Western North Region on Tuesday, July 15, he expressed serious concern about the extent of destruction in Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi Anhwiaso. The President attributed the alarming degradation of forest reserves and water bodies to illegal mining activities.
“We are alarmed by the environmental destruction reported across Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi-Anhwiaso, primarily due to illegal mining. I must be honest; this is a national emergency. The national task force will continue its efforts to halt illegal mining in our forest reserves and on our water bodies,” President Mahama stated. He also criticised individuals who hide behind the fight against galamsey to engage in extortion.
President Mahama condemned the activities of illegal task forces reportedly extorting money from licensed small-scale miners. “I have also noticed the activities of the illegal anti-galamsey taskforces that go round extorting money from legitimate small-scale mining companies,” he noted. “I have requested the authorities to arrest and prosecute any individuals involved in this illegal anti-galamsey activity,” he warned.
Source: Myjoyonline.com