The Dormaa West District Chief Executive, Honorable Stephen Azorba Awuni, has revealed that the NDC government is achieving significant progress in the ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining activities, commonly known as Galamsey.
The District Chief Executive emphasizes the harmful impact of such illegal mining on our lands and forest reserves. Consequently, the administration of President Mahama is committed to implementing effective strategies and legislative measures, including the repeal of Legislative Instrument 2476 and the training of Blue Water Guards to safeguard our water bodies from illegal mining activities. These initiatives are aimed at curbing the operations of Galamsey in the country.
Hon. Stephen Azorba Awuni emphasized that President Mahama has not dismissed the possibility of declaring a State of Emergency in the fight against Galamsey. However, he has informed Ghanaians that this would be considered only as a last resort, should all other measures be exhausted. He highlighted that the government has already seized imported excavators and pumping machines, with the pumping machines been handed over to the Minister of Agriculture for distribution to farmers to enhance agricultural productivity stressing that these actions, among others, are deemed effective measures to combat the Galamsey menace.
He further stated that while expectations are high, it is premature to criticize the President’s efforts against illegal mining, as he has been in office for only eight months. He argued that it is unreasonable to expect the resolution of issues and destruction that occurred over the previous eight years under the NPP within such a short timeframe.
Story By: Kwaku Mensah Abrampa (Dormaa Ahenkro)
