The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Yusif Sulemana, says government has made significant progress in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, despite the challenges associated with tackling the menace.

According to Mr Sulemana, sustained interventions by the Natural Resources Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Blue Water Guards initiative have contributed to improving the quality of Ghana's water bodies and reclaiming forest reserves that had been heavily degraded by illegal mining activities.

"The fight against galamsey hasn't been an easy one. But we have made significant strides in the last few months. We have, through NAIMOS and the Blue Water Guards, improved the quality of our water bodies and reclaimed all forest reserves that were invaded before we assumed power," he stated.

The Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi, reaffirmed the government's commitment to sustaining the anti-galamsey campaign, stressing that efforts would continue to protect the country's forests, rivers and other natural resources from the destructive impact of illegal mining.