The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has revealed that the government will soon roll out significant interventions in its efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. 

Speaking in an interview on Citi FM on Tuesday, October 8, Mr. Jinapor disclosed that the upcoming measures are part of the government’s renewed commitment to address the ongoing environmental crisis caused by galamsey.

In the interview, Mr. Jinapor also provided an update on the government’s recent meeting with Organised Labour regarding its planned strike on October 10. 

He described the discussions as “very productive and fruitful,” and noted that one of the key actions to be taken is the repeal of LI 2462, a legislative instrument that currently allows mining activities in forest reserves. 

This legislative change is expected to be the first step in the broader fight against illegal mining.

The Minister emphasised that the government is resolute in its commitment to curbing galamsey and will not back down in the face of this challenge. 

He reassured the public that the necessary resources and policy changes will be put in place to safeguard the environment and prevent further destruction caused by illegal mining operations.

Interestingly, Mr. Jinapor pointed out that agriculture, rather than mining, is the primary driver of deforestation in Ghana. 

However, he reaffirmed that the government is still determined to tackle the galamsey issue head-on, as it continues to pose a serious threat to the country’s natural resources and water bodies.

In response to recent criticisms, the Minister stressed that the fight against galamsey did not begin as a reaction to the pressure from Organised Labour. 

He urged the public to understand that the government has long been working on solutions to combat illegal mining, and these new interventions are part of a broader strategy to protect the environment.

“Consensus was reached that the government will take steps to repeal LI 2462 when Parliament resumed and also ensure the expeditious trial of offenders. Be it as it may, the government took notice of the announcement [of Organised Labour] that went on yesterday [Monday] but there are some other interventions that we are working on and they will be made known in the coming days. River guards and the navy will be patrolling our river bodies, with other interventions.”

“The number one driver of deforestation is agriculture and that is not to suggest mining does not do the same. Mining on river bodies is banned and they are red zones mining is not permitted 100 meters away from our waterbodies and we are even planning to make it 200 meters small-scale mining is also not permitted in forest areas.”

“The impression should never be created that we are just waking up to take action against this menace. Operation Halt has been happening almost every fortnight and we are going to intensify that,” he stated.