Galamsey: River guards, navy will be patrolling our river bodies – Lands Minister
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has announced that the government will soon implement significant interventions to tackle illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. Speaking during an interview on Citi FM on Tuesday, October 8, Mr. Jinapor confirmed that these new measures are part of the government’s reinforced strategy to curb the environmental damage caused by galamsey.
Government’s Strong Commitment to Eradicating Galamsey
In his statement, Mr. Jinapor provided insight into the government’s recent dialogue with Organised Labour regarding their planned strike on October 10. He described the meeting as “very productive and fruitful,” highlighting that one of the primary outcomes is the government’s decision to repeal LI 2462. This legislative instrument, which currently permits mining in forest reserves, will be withdrawn as part of a larger crackdown on illegal mining operations.
This repeal marks the first of several upcoming steps to preserve the environment. Mr. Jinapor reiterated that the government is fully committed to ending galamsey and assured the public that all necessary resources and policies will be deployed to prevent further environmental destruction.
Agriculture: The Silent Driver of Deforestation
In a surprising revelation, Mr. Jinapor emphasized that agriculture—not mining—is the leading cause of deforestation in Ghana. However, he reassured the public that this fact does not diminish the urgency of addressing galamsey. Illegal mining remains a significant threat to the nation’s water bodies and natural resources, and the government is resolute in its efforts to combat the issue.
Government’s Multi-Pronged Approach to Combat Illegal Mining
In response to criticisms suggesting that the government is acting under pressure from Organised Labour, the Minister clarified that the fight against galamsey has been ongoing. He emphasized that recent interventions, including “Operation Halt,” have been active for some time and will only intensify in the coming weeks.
As part of the broader strategy, Mr. Jinapor mentioned that river guards and navy forces will begin patrolling key water bodies. Additionally, there are plans to expand the buffer zone around rivers where mining is prohibited, from 100 meters to 200 meters. Small-scale mining in forest reserves is also set to be strictly prohibited.
Broader Strategy to Safeguard the Environment
Mr. Jinapor urged the public to recognize that the government’s actions against galamsey are part of a comprehensive environmental protection strategy. While he acknowledged the recent strike announcement by Organised Labour, he assured citizens that the government had already been working on multiple solutions before the public outcry. The upcoming legislative changes and operational reinforcements are evidence of the government’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the environment for future generations.
The government’s renewed commitment to fighting galamsey, including the repeal of LI 2462 and stricter mining regulations, highlights a broader strategy to protect Ghana’s natural resources. While agriculture remains the leading cause of deforestation, illegal mining remains a top priority for the government in its quest to preserve the environment.
