The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah says illegal miners, or galamsey operators, should be viewed as “terrorists” who are actively endangering the lives of Ghanaians.
“We can’t allow few people to make money at the expense of millions of Ghanaians and kill us; we must now begin to see them as dangerous terrorists who are killing us,” he said.
The Minister who was speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, April 3, emphasized the need for a collective effort to put an end to the devastating impact of illegal mining in the country.
The minister’s statement comes amid rising concerns about the environmental and social repercussions of galamsey, which has long been a significant issue in the country.
“You cannot have a country where your water systems are so polluted that the turbidity levels are 5,000 to 12,000 when it should be 500, it means we are drinking poison,” he bemoaned.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to using all available resources to combat illegal mining activities that have been ravaging forests, water bodies, and farmlands across the country.
The Minister also added that the government is ready to welcome any small-scale miner through the right procedures.
“If anybody wants to do genuine small-scale mining, this government is committed to guiding them, giving them licenses, and guiding them on the path of doing small-scale mining in a more responsible and sustainable manner,” he said.
He called for a collaborative effort to fight against the menace, saying, “This is what must be a collective fight.”
