In a bid to protect the country’s natural resources, the Ghanaian government has reaffirmed its commitment to deporting foreign nationals involved in illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, made the announcement while addressing the Ghanaian community in Lagos, Nigeria.
According to Minister Ablakwa, President John Mahama has adopted a zero-tolerance stance on mining in river bodies and forest reserves.
“President Mahama has said that he will not tolerate any form of mining in our river bodies or forest reserves,” Ablakwa stated.
Ablakwa revealed that a military operation is imminent, aimed at rounding up and prosecuting individuals involved in illegal mining.
“In the next few days, we’re going to round people up and prosecute them,” he warned.
The Minister disclosed that several deportations have already been carried out, although they have not been widely publicized.
“Already, a lot of deportations have been carried out. We’ve just not been advertising them,” he added.
Ablakwa emphasized the need to target repeat offenders who return to restricted zones after military operations have cleared them.
He expressed optimism that once government actions are fully enforced, the country’s water turbidity will improve.
The Minister made a passionate appeal to Ghanaians in Nigeria to support the national effort to combat illegal mining. “Every necessary measure will be taken to bring the menace under control,” he assured.