The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has reiterated the government’s dedication to promoting sustainable and legal mining practices in Ghana.
In a statement released on Wednesday, September 11, the ministry emphasized that responsible mining is a top priority, focusing on environmental protection and safeguarding communities affected by mining activities.
The ministry also highlighted the government’s intensified efforts to address illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” which has become more urgent following increasing calls from various groups demanding immediate action.
On the same day, Organised Labour, led by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), issued an ultimatum, threatening a nationwide strike by the end of September if the government does not tackle the escalating galamsey crisis.
Joshua Ansah, Secretary General of the TUC, called for the declaration of a state of emergency in areas severely impacted by illegal mining, a halt to all mining in forest reserves, and the establishment of special courts to fast-track the prosecution of galamsey operators.
Additionally, they urged for military intervention to remove and destroy mining equipment in affected areas.
Ansah criticized the government’s inaction, noting that illegal mining continues to cause significant environmental destruction, including damage to rivers, farmlands, and forest reserves.
He warned that if concrete measures are not put in place by the end of September, Organised Labour would embark on protests and a nationwide strike to pressure the government into action.
With mounting pressure from groups like Organised Labour, the demand for decisive government intervention to curb galamsey, which poses a serious threat to Ghana’s natural resources and livelihoods, has intensified.
