President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has stated that the Government’s fight against Galamsey is not against mining itself and as such it would be unrealistic to suggest that there should be no mining in Ghana.
In his speech at the fourth State of the Nation Address before Parliament, he stated: “Our battle was not against mining itself. However, taking the minerals out should not lead to the pollution of our water bodies and the destruction of our forests”.
He made known also that the Galamsey activities were rampant across the country before the NPP came to power.
He, however, pledged his commitment to fighting Galamsey when he stated: “The threat posed to the future of our country by Galamsey is grave but we cannot shirk our responsibility”.
In January, 2017, the Government of Ghana placed a ban on small-scale mining for a period of six months following a widespread pollution of water bodies. The ban was, however, extended in October, 2017 for another three months.
By: Alberta Dorcas N D Armah
