Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad, Minister of Environment in Ghana, condemns illegal mining, or “galamsey,” equating it to terrorism. He emphasizes a national call to action against it, unlinked to political affiliations. The government plans to offer alternative livelihoods and enforce strict licensing measures, aiming for comprehensive solutions to this multifaceted issue.
In a recent statement, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad, Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, equated illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey,” with acts of terrorism. He emphasized the government’s dedication to address this issue decisively, regardless of the political affiliations of those involved.
During a press conference in Accra, Dr. Muhammad stated, “We will not spare anyone involved in this evil including our NDC members caught in this act.” He called upon all Ghanaians to unite against illegal mining, framing it as a moral imperative to safeguard the nation’s resources and lives.
His remarks followed the release of an interim report by an 18-member Working Committee tasked with reviewing the small-scale mining licensing system and proposing a strategy to combat illegal mining. The Minister asserted, “This fight we are waging is a moral fight. It is a fight for our survival as a people.”
Recognizing the complexity of the issue, Dr. Muhammad noted that addressing illegal mining would require a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach. He reiterated the government’s commitment to expose individuals who use political connections to evade accountability, stating, “We will not spare anybody engaging in terrorism on our land.”
Furthermore, he outlined the government’s plan to implement alternative livelihood programs for those previously involved in galamsey and encouraged civil society and media to educate the public on its hazards.
The Minister also stressed the importance of adopting sustainable environmental practices to protect water bodies and forest reserves. Separately, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, announced the revocation of all small-scale mining licenses issued after December 7, 2024, and outlined a review process for existing licenses to ensure compliance.
Any licensee who does not comply with the validation process will automatically lose their license, Mr. Buah concluded.
In conclusion, the Ghanaian government, represented by Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad, is taking a firm stance against illegal mining, labeling it an act of terrorism. Dr. Muhammad’s call for public participation and the government’s plans for alternative livelihoods underline the serious commitment to combat galamsey. With new measures and collective efforts from civil society, the aim is to restore environmental integrity and combat this pressing issue.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
