Government to Announce New Interventions in Fight Against Illegal Mining – Samuel Abu Jinapor
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has revealed that the government will soon unveil major interventions to intensify its efforts in combating illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
Speaking during an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show with Bernard Avle on Tuesday, October 8, Mr. Jinapor shared that the government’s recent meeting with Organised Labour, ahead of their planned October 10 strike, was “very productive and fruitful.” He confirmed that key measures will include the repeal of LI 2462, a legislative instrument that currently allows mining in forest reserves.
“Consensus was reached that the government will take steps to repeal LI 2462 when Parliament resumes and also ensure the swift trial of offenders,” Mr. Jinapor said. He added that beyond this repeal, additional interventions will soon be rolled out, including the deployment of river guards and navy patrols to protect water bodies from illegal mining activities.
The announcement comes amidst growing concerns over galamsey’s devastating impact on Ghana’s rivers, forests, and communities. However, the minister clarified that illegal mining is not the primary cause of deforestation in the country, citing agriculture as the leading driver. Despite this, he reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling the galamsey menace, noting that mining near river bodies remains strictly prohibited. Currently, mining is banned within 100 meters of water bodies, and the government is considering extending the restriction to 200 meters.
Mr. Jinapor stressed that the government has been actively fighting illegal mining long before recent pressure from Organised Labour. He pointed to Operation Halt, an initiative aimed at cracking down on illegal mining, which he said has been ongoing regularly and will be intensified in the coming weeks.
The government’s renewed focus on illegal mining comes as Organised Labour plans to go ahead with a nationwide strike, citing dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the galamsey crisis. The proposed interventions are expected to address some of the concerns raised by Labour and environmental groups about the destruction of natural resources.
The minister assured the public that the fight against illegal mining remains a top priority for the government and that further details on upcoming measures will be announced soon.
