The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned that it will spare no effort in prosecuting individuals and groups engaged in illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey.
In a stern warning, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, Prof. Nana Ama Klutse, said the agency will apply the full force of the law to protect the environment.
“We will focus on our mandate to protect the environment and coordinate all activities that affect it. We need to protect the environment no matter who is involved, whether legally or illegally. So for us, we are focused on our mandate,” Prof. Klutse said in an interview with Channel One Newsroom.
The EPA boss disclosed that the agency has been monitoring environmental activities and responding to complaints from communities and companies. “So far, we have not received any complaints about politicians being involved in illegal mining. However, the EPA, apart from conducting its monitoring, also responds to complaints. If we receive reports from communities or companies, we take the necessary action, including prosecuting offenders who violate compliance regulations,” Prof. Klutse explained.
Prof. Klutse emphasized that the EPA will not shield politicians or influential individuals involved in galamsey, stressing that “If any politician is involved in illegal mining, and we get hold of the person, we will still apply the law as we would to any other Ghanaian.”
The EPA’s tough stance comes amid growing concerns over the devastating impact of galamsey on the environment, including deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation.