The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has labeled illegal miners, also known as galamsey operators, as dangerous “terrorists” who are putting the lives of Ghanaians at risk.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the Ellembelle MP emphasized the need for a collective effort to put an end to the devastation caused by illegal mining.
“We can’t allow a few people to make money at the expense of millions of Ghanaians and kill us. We must now begin to see them as dangerous terrorists who are killing us,” he said.
He expressed concern over the severe pollution of the country’s water systems, with turbidity levels reaching 5,000 to 12,000, far above the acceptable level of 500. “It means we are drinking poison,” he bemoaned.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to using all available resources to combat illegal mining, stressing the environmental damage to forests, water bodies, and farmlands.
He assured that the government is open to supporting legitimate small-scale miners through the right legal channels. “If anybody wants to do genuine small-scale mining, this government is committed to guiding them, giving them licenses, and supporting them in a more responsible and sustainable manner,” he added.
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