The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has issued a stern warning that foreigners involved in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, will be immediately deported.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining activities in forest reserves and near water bodies, Mr. Okudzeto Ablakwa emphasized President Mahama’s strong position on safeguarding the nation’s natural resources.
He made this statement while addressing the Ghanaian community in Lagos, Nigeria.
“President Mahama has said that he will not tolerate any form of mining in our river bodies or forest reserves,” he reiterated.
Mr. Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu in the Volta Region, has announced that a military operation will soon be launched to target illegal miners.
“In the next few days, we’re going to round people up and prosecute them,” he hinted.
Mr. Ablakwa, speaking about the upcoming military deployment, revealed that several deportations have already occurred, although the government has not made them widely public.
“Many deportations have already taken place; we just haven’t been publicizing them,” he stated.
The minister highlighted the importance of addressing repeat offenders who return to restricted areas after military operations have cleared them.
He urged Ghanaians in Nigeria to support the national effort against illegal mining, assuring them that all necessary actions would be taken to control the issue.
The North Tongu lawmaker expressed confidence that once the government’s actions are fully implemented, the country’s water quality will improve.
