President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, warning that the practice continues to threaten the environment, water bodies, public health, and national security.
Speaking in Parliament, the President said the government has intensified the prosecution of illegal mining offenders, with a strategic shift toward dismantling organized criminal networks behind the operations.
“Prosecution of illegal mining cases has been intensified, with a renewed focus on dismantling the organized criminal networks behind galamsey operations, rather than targeting only low-level offenders. In these operations, there are big fish who often go unpunished,” he noted.
President Mahama revealed that over 114 case dockets, involving hundreds of accused persons, are currently before various courts across the country, particularly in mining-prone communities.
To strengthen enforcement, specialized prosecutorial teams have been deployed to fast-track galamsey-related cases, ensure effective presentation of evidence, and pursue the confiscation and forfeiture of equipment and proceeds derived from illegal mining activities.
On gender and social protection, the President assured Ghanaians that the government remains committed to promoting gender equality, safeguarding children’s rights, and empowering vulnerable groups—including the elderly and persons with disabilities—as part of broader efforts to drive sustainable national development.
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