Ghana Makes Progress in Fight Against Galamsey, Aims for Cleaner Rivers and Forests
Ghana is gradually turning the tide against illegal mining, also known as galamsey, as the country embarks on a mission to restore its degraded forests and water bodies. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, has made significant strides in combating galamsey through a five-pillar strategy that focuses on reclaiming mined lands, providing alternative livelihoods, strengthening law enforcement, and promoting sustainable mining practices.
Speaking to the media in Accra, Mr John Afful, Director of Communications at Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), expressed optimism about the government’s efforts. “Ghana is on the path to cleaner rivers and forests, thanks to the NDC’s unwavering commitment to fighting galamsey,” he said.
The government’s initiatives, including the Blue Water and Blue River Guards, Tree for Life, and the National Reclamation Project, aim to restore degraded lands, promote afforestation, and protect Ghana’s water bodies. The NDC’s efforts have also led to the introduction of programs that provide alternative livelihoods for communities affected by galamsey.
“Our mission is to reclaim Ghana’s natural heritage and ensure that our forests and water bodies are preserved for future generations,” Afful emphasized. “We are seeing positive changes, and it’s a testament to the government’s dedication to this cause.”
As Ghana continues to make progress in its fight against galamsey, stakeholders are calling for sustained efforts and collaboration to overcome the challenges and achieve a galamsey-free environment.
