Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has reaffirmed the government’s resolute commitment to deporting all foreign nationals involved in illegal mining—locally known as galamsey—as part of the ongoing efforts to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources.
Speaking to the Ghanaian community in Lagos, Nigeria, Minister Ablakwa emphasized the strong stance of President John Dramani Mahama on halting illegal mining activities, particularly in Ghana’s 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.
The Minister revealed that a military operation targeting illegal miners is set to begin shortly.
He confirmed that round-ups and prosecutions would take place in the coming days as the government intensifies its efforts to dismantle illegal mining operations. “In the next few days, we’re going to round people up and prosecute them,” he added, referencing the military deployment aimed at curbing illegal mining.
Minister Ablakwa also noted that the government has already carried out several deportations of foreign nationals involved in galamsey, although these actions have not been widely publicized. “Already, a lot of deportations have been carried out.
We’ve just not been advertising them,” he explained.
A key focus, according to the Minister, will be addressing repeat offenders—foreign nationals who return to restricted zones after military operations have removed them.
He expressed confidence that the intensified operations would lead to improvements in water quality, particularly in reducing water turbidity caused by illegal mining.
In his address, Minister Ablakwa appealed to the Ghanaian diaspora in Nigeria to support the government’s efforts in eradicating illegal mining.
He assured them that the government would continue taking all necessary steps to bring the situation under control.
Minister Ablakwa remains optimistic that the ongoing actions will significantly reduce the threat illegal mining poses to Ghana’s environment and resources.
By: J.W Quarm
