Government Intensifies Efforts to Combat Illegal Mining in Ashanti Region
The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Program (rCOMSDEP) is currently on a sensitization tour in the Ashanti Region, educating small-scale miners and those involved in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, about the dangers of their activities.
The program’s Director of Communications, Mr John Afful, spoke to Kessben FM/TV exclusively, stating that the reception has been positive wherever they have visited. The team has been engaging with chiefs, opinion leaders, and people at mining sites, educating them about the program’s objectives and the harmful effects of destroying water bodies.
“Destruction of water bodies has severe consequences for the people of Ghana, especially with the use of mercury, which is very dangerous to living beings,” Mr Afful emphasized. He added that the government is committed to eradicating illegal mining, which has depleted over 7,000 football fields of vegetation.
Mr Afful stated that the government has seized excavators and pumping machines, handing them over to district assemblies and the Ministry of Agriculture to support farmers. “Those who continue to engage in illegality will face the full force of the law,” he warned.
The program aims to bring small-scale miners together, provide training, and promote responsible mining practices. Mr Afful urged Ghanaians to join the fight against illegal mining, emphasizing the need for education and collective action to protect the country’s resources.
“We will not spare those who continue to engage in illegal mining,” Mr Afful said. “We appeal to all stakeholders to support this initiative and work together to ensure a sustainable future for our country.”
