Government Equates Illegal Mining to Terrorism and Vows to Act Decisively

Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad, Minister of Environment, likens illegal mining, or “galamsey,” to terrorism, vowing to take strict action against perpetrators regardless of their political affiliations. He emphasizes public cooperation in this moral battle and announces government plans for alternative livelihoods for those affected. The Minister of Lands has revoked recent small-scale mining licenses and established a review committee to ensure compliance.

Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad, the Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, compared illegal mining known as “galamsey” to terrorism, asserting the government’s commitment to address this issue decisively, regardless of political affiliations. He condemned any involvement in this illicit activity, stating, “We will not spare anyone involved in this evil including our NDC members caught in this act.”

During a news conference in Accra, Dr. Muhammad urged all Ghanaians to collaborate in combating illegal mining, underlining it as a moral imperative to safeguard lives. This statement coincides with a report from an 18-member Working Committee tasked with reviewing the small-scale mining licensing regime and proposing strategies to confront the galamsey crisis.

Dr. Muhammad stressed the necessity of a comprehensive approach to tackle the multi-faceted challenges posed by illegal mining, stating, “This fight we’re waging is a moral fight. It is a fight for our survival as a people.” He assured that anyone involved in such unlawful activities, even those with political ties, would ultimately be identified.

To help those previously engaged in illegal mining, the Minister announced that the government would implement alternative livelihood programs. He encouraged civil society and media to raise public awareness about the dangers of galamsey and highlighted the importance of adhering to environmental best practices to protect water bodies and forest reserves.

Furthermore, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, declared the revocation of all small-scale mining licenses issued after December 7, 2024. He revealed that a Technical Review Committee would audit the remaining licenses within two months, warning that non-compliance would lead to automatic license revocation.

In conclusion, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad’s remarks encapsulate the Ghanaian government’s firm stance against illegal mining, described as terrorism. The government’s strategy emphasizes moral responsibility and collaboration among citizens while also providing alternative options for those affected by such policies. By revoking newly issued licenses and forming a Technical Review Committee, the government aims to strengthen regulations and combat the galamsey crisis effectively.

Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com