Measures to curb illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, President Nana Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his commitment to fighting the menace in his second term of office.

To this cause, some military personnel was deployed to burn some of the equipment allegedly being used and said to belong to those who engage in illegal activities along the River Pra.

There is more in this desk report on the fight against galamsey.  Illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey has over the years destroyed most agricultural lands and polluted Major River bodies that serve as a source of drinking water to some communities.

After several calls to ban illegal mining, the president, Nana Akufo Addo announced his commitment to enforcing strict measures to deter perpetrators from engaging in the act.

On December 17, 2018, Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, the then Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, announced the end of a moratorium on small-scale mining after nearly two years in office.

During this period, the government had developed a comprehensive framework to regularise and monitor the industry.

Although the ban gave rise to a degree of controversy, the government’s policies are expected to benefit the long-term health of the mining sector by addressing the damaging and illegal activities.

Recently, there’ve been moves by some military officials deployed by the government burning and seizing all excavators said to belong to some individuals who engage in illegal mining.

But will this deter these individuals from engaging in this illegal activity and how far is the government willing to go in fighting galamsey?