In a passionate plea, the Minister for Defence Dr. Edward Omane Boamah urged Ghanaians to join the fight against galamsey, a destructive practice that has ravaged the country’s forest reserves. With a sense of urgency, he emphasized that no human being resides in these protected areas, and therefore, there is no excuse for illegal mining activities.
Dr. Boamah’s message was clear: in the name of God and Ghana, stay away from the forest reserves and galamsey. He cautioned that those involved in this illicit activity would face the consequences, and warned that the time for talk is over. Instead, Boamah encouraged individuals interested in mining to seek the necessary regulatory permits. This, he believes, is the only way to ensure that mining activities are conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner.
The fight against galamsey has intensified, with a recent joint operation involving the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) of the Forestry Commission (FC) and 30 military personnel leading to a major crackdown on illegal mining in the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve. The team seized 10 excavators and a bulldozer while apprehending four individuals. This latest enforcement action underscores the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining, which poses a serious threat to Ghana’s forest reserves and natural ecosystems.
As the country grapples with the environmental and economic impacts of galamsey, citizens are urged to join forces and protect Ghana’s environmental heritage. The message is simple: stop galamsey, and let us work together to build a better future for Ghana.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
