Illegal mining popularly known as galamsey, has long been a thorn in Ghana’s ravaging forests, polluting rivers, and threatening livelihoods.
Despite countless government interventions, task forces, and public declarations of a “relentless war” against the menace, the devastation continues.
While successive administrations have pledged to eradicate galamsey, the reality on the ground tells a different story—one of political compromises, powerful networks, and a fight that seems more rhetorical than resolute.
Is Ghana truly winning the battle against galamsey, or are we merely trapped in a cycle of grand pronouncements with little impact? As water bodies turn murky and most rural farmlands shrink under the weight of illegal excavators, the question remains: is this war about action, or just another round of empty rhetoric?
The Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Hon. Murtala Muhammed, has made a firm commitment to tackling illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana.
In a recent statement, he addressed the ongoing concerns about political rhetoric overshadowing real action and outlined concrete measures to combat the menace. He assured Ghanaians that the government under President Mahama would not spare anyone involved in illegal mining, regardless of their political status.
While he acknowledged the numerous statements made by various officials regarding the fight against galamsey, he emphasized that action must follow words.
He stressed that the government is engaged in strategic efforts to curb galamsey and restore Ghana’s water bodies. He also hinted at collaborations with institutions and organizations to ensure effective interventions.
The minister highlighted the importance of reviving past environmental initiatives to sustain the fight against galamsey.
“President Mahama had this Blue Water Initiative and the ‘Every Man per Tree’ project. I said during my vetting that I want to take it further: ‘Every Child per Tree.’ Kids are very competitive, and if we extend it to schoolchildren, giving each child the opportunity to plant and nurture a tree, it will yield lasting benefits.”
Hon. Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology
He criticized the inefficiency of past tree-planting programs under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, which, despite massive financial investment, have not produced tangible results.
Hon. Muhammed boldly stated that politicians are actively engaged in illegal mining, citing a past statement by former Minister for Local Government, Alhaji Alima Mahama.
“I remember Alhaji Alima Mahama, then Minister for Local Government, during a national television broadcast, saying, ‘We know those of you who are engaged in galamsey, and we shall soon come after you.'”
Hon. Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology
He pointed out that despite this admission, no real action was taken against those involved. He further revealed that in 2022, the government made a decision to withdraw security forces from galamsey-prone areas, allowing illegal mining activities to flourish unchecked.
Restoring Security Measures Against Galamsey
Addressing concerns about security measures against galamsey, Hon. Muhammed assured the public that steps were being taken to reverse past missteps.
However, As of 2022, the state had withdrawn security forces from all galamsey areas. The minister was asked what has been done whether the state reintroduced security forces to combat galamsey?
‘’That is what we are working on. Some aspects of it border on security, so I cannot disclose details, but within a few months, the people of this country will see drastic changes.”
Hon. Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology
He reiterated his confidence in the government’s ability to tackle the issue and restore the integrity of Ghana’s water bodies.
Moreover, The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has petitioned President Mahama to investigate allegations of illegal mining involving an NDC Member of Parliament Hon. Aowin, Oscar Labi. When asked about the progress of this investigation, he stated;
“Anybody who is engaged in galamsey activities, whether you are a minister or a member of parliament, you wouldn’t be spared. President Mahama has made this very, very clear.”
Hon. Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology
He emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to holding all perpetrators accountable.
“As a minister responsible for leading this fight, along with other ministers, we are not going to renege on our responsibility. We cannot afford to fail President Mahama. The people of this country gave him an overwhelming mandate because of the promises he made, and one of those promises was to fight galamsey.”
Hon. Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology
However, he admitted that he had not been briefed on any specific investigation concerning the accused MP.
“I am not aware of any investigation, and I may not be aware because it borders on security. If there is any such briefing, I haven’t received it yet. But what I can say is that whoever is engaged in galamsey activities, whether a minister or an MP, will not be spared.”
Hon. Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology
Hon. Murtala Muhammed’s statements underscore the government’s renewed determination to combat galamsey and protect Ghana’s natural resources.
He assured that strategic measures were being implemented, and significant changes would soon be evident. With a focus on action rather than rhetoric, he reaffirmed President Mahama’s commitment to fighting illegal mining and holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of their political affiliations.
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