Ghana is implementing new measures to combat illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey,” amid increasing public pressure. The announcement came from the presidency on Wednesday, signaling the government’s commitment to addressing this critical issue.
Illegal mining poses a significant environmental threat by polluting soil and water in Ghana. As the leading gold producer in West Africa, the impact of illegal mining is particularly concerning for the country’s ecosystem.
In a statement, President Nana Akufo-Addo announced the deployment of additional military personnel. The government will also deploy naval boats on polluted river bodies to enforce a halt to all mining activities, both legal and illegal.
The statement emphasized the establishment of four dedicated courts to enhance legal action against illegal mining activities. These courts are intended to expedite the prosecution of offenders and provide a legal framework for addressing this issue.
Illegal mining is particularly detrimental to cacao production, a vital sector of Ghana’s economy. The situation has worsened as farmers struggle amid economic challenges and inflation, leading many to sell their land to illegal miners.
Public protests erupted in September in Accra, the capital, over the government’s response to illegal mining. Demonstrators accused the government of failing to manage the crisis effectively, leading to heightened tensions in the country.
During the protests, 54 activists were detained, which sparked widespread outrage among citizens. Many accused the government of suppressing freedom of expression, raising concerns about civil liberties.
Following these events, more protests emerged, demanding the release of detained activists and an end to “galamsey.” On Wednesday, Ghanaian courts released most of the detained protesters, except for Oliver Barker-Vormawor, who was accused of leading the movement.
