President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has urged chiefs and the youth to play a key role in protecting Ghana’s lands, forests, and water reserves from the devastating effects of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
He made this call to action during his “Thank You Tour” in Sekondi, Western Region.
President Mahama emphasised the need to restore Ghana’s water bodies, which he described as unattractive due to the impact of galamsey.
He also announced plans to address the growing issue of illegal mining in Ghana.
“The entire country is appalled by the extensive environmental degradation caused by illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey. Your own son, Armah Kofi-Buah, is formulating strategies to implement our manifesto promise to combat this galamsey menace,” he stated.
President Mahama stressed that tackling illegal mining requires a collaborative effort, particularly from chiefs and the youth in the Western Region.
He believes that protecting lands, forests, and water bodies should be a collective responsibility rather than relying solely on security agencies.
“We will not make this the responsibility of only the security agencies. We will involve chiefs and young people in the communities to help protect their own lands, forests, and water bodies,” he noted.
He further emphasised, “We will take urgent steps to halt mining activities in our forest reserves and on our rivers.”
VKB/MA