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The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has declared the government’s resolve to deport all foreign nationals involved in illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, in Ghana.
Speaking to the Ghanaian community in Lagos, Nigeria, Mr. Ablakwa highlighted President John Mahama’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country’s natural resources, particularly 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,” the minister emphasized.
Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that a targeted military operation is set to commence within days to apprehend and prosecute illegal miners. He stressed that foreigners caught engaging in the unlawful activity will be deported without delay.
“In the next few days, we’re going to round people up and prosecute them,” he stated. “Already, a lot of deportations have been carried out. We’ve just not been advertising them.”
The minister also warned against repeat offenders who return to protected zones after being cleared by previous operations, promising that enforcement will be stricter going forward.
Mr. Ablakwa expressed confidence that once the government’s crackdown measures are fully enforced, there will be significant improvements in water quality across the country.
He called on Ghanaians in the diaspora, especially those in Nigeria, to support efforts to eliminate galamsey and protect Ghana’s environment for future generations.
