The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Abu Jinapor, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling the menace of illegal small-scale mining (popularly known as “galamsey”), which has plagued Ghana for years.
During a recent statement, the minister highlighted a series of efforts and policies that have been rolled out to combat this issue and protect the nation’s water bodies.
Hon. Jinapor began by explaining the rationale behind the government’s decision to revoke the regulation that was considered counterproductive to the fight against illegal mining.
“The decision has been taken to revoke LI 2416,” the minister said. According to him, this move was necessary to ensure that the government’s efforts in regulating the small-scale mining sector remain effective and in tune with broader policy goals.
He emphasized that this decision would not negatively impact the government’s overall strategy to address the galamsey issue. He relayed; “This move will not be detrimental to our efforts at resonating small-scale mining schemes.”
The River Guard Initiative
Hon. Jinapor also provided an update on the government’s “River Guard” initiative, which aims to safeguard water bodies from the destructive activities of illegal miners.
He highlighted the collaborative efforts with the Ghana Navy and the recruitment of a dedicated team of personnel who will patrol the rivers and monitor illegal mining activities around the clock. He juxtaposed; “We took the decision that we need to roll out a policy of River Guard.”
This policy, he noted, would consist of a “dedicated personnel group of people who will patrol and monitor our borders 24/7.”
In line with this, the government has procured five speedboats and recruited 300 young men and women who were extensively trained in using body cams, drones, and other high-tech equipment. The River Guard initiative is expected to intensify surveillance of the country’s rivers and make a significant difference in halting galamsey operations.
Hon. Jinapor indicated that a meeting with the Ministry of Defense was scheduled to finalize preparations for deploying the River Guard.
“We are just on the verge of deploying this River Guard. As I speak to you, a meeting is scheduled at the Ministry of Defense today at 12; 00 pm to cross the T’s and dot the I’s.”
Abu Jinapor Minister of Lands and Natural Resources
Collaborative Efforts with the Military: Operation Halt
In addition to the River Guard initiative, Hon. Jinapor discussed the government’s ongoing collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces under “Operation Halt.”
This operation involves targeted military interventions.
“The periodic surgical operation by the Ghana Armed Forces under the rubric of Operation Halt has been evaluated again.”
Abu Jinapor Minister of Lands and Natural Resources
Hon. Jinapor said, adding that these military operations would continue and be enhanced in the future.
The government, he stated, remains firm in its commitment to eliminate illegal mining activities through both preventive measures, such as the River Guard, and enforcement strategies, such as military-led operations.
Government’s Unwavering Commitment to Fight Galamsey
Despite the challenges faced, the minister was resolute that the Akufo-Addo administration has done more than any previous government to fight the galamsey menace.
He emphasized the government’s transparency, honesty, and determination in tackling the issue head-on. He asserted; “No government has fought this menace as much as Akufo-Addo’s government has done.”
Hon. Jinapor explained that the galamsey problem was not new but had existed for many years. When President Nana Akufo-Addo took office in January 2017, he highlighted the illegal mining problem in his inaugural address, signaling his administration’s intention to confront it.
“That definitely presupposes that illegal small-scale mining was a major problem at the time he took the oath of office.”
Abu Jinapor Minister of Lands and Natural Resources
The Complexities of the Galamsey Menace
Hon. Jinapor acknowledged the complex nature of the galamsey problem, citing the economic incentives behind illegal mining.
He noted that the lucrative gold trade and financial rewards often push individuals to persist in illegal mining activities despite government efforts to curb them. He noted; “There are challenges, there’s no doubt about that, because of the complexity of this matter.”
However, Hon. Jinapor stressed that the government would not be deterred. He emphasized; “We are resolute and determined, and we’re not going to give up on this fight.”
He reiterated the government’s commitment to rolling out additional measures that would strengthen the fight against illegal mining and deliver positive results.
Hope for a Galamsey-Free Ghana
In his concluding remarks, Hon. Abu Jinapor made it clear that the government remains committed to a future where illegal mining is significantly reduced if not eliminated.
He expressed confidence in the new initiatives and ongoing strategies, urging Ghanaians to have a collaborative mindset.
“The government’s commitment to the fight against illegal small-scale mining is [unwavering]… [we believe that] these measures, which we have worked on over the period, are also going to be rolled out, and we believe that they will make a positive impact.”
Abu Jinapor Minister of Lands and Natural Resources
The deployment of the River Guard, the continuation of military operations under Operation Halt, and the revocation of regulations like LI 2416 all signal the government’s multifaceted approach to addressing one of the country’s most pressing environmental challenges.
With these initiatives, the government hopes to protect Ghana’s rivers, forests, and mineral resources for future generations.
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