Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deporting all foreign nationals engaged in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Addressing members of the Ghanaian community in Lagos, Nigeria, the Minister underscored President John Mahama’s stance on safeguarding the nation’s natural resources.
“It has been stated by President Mahama that no form of mining will be tolerated in our river bodies or forest reserves,” Ablakwa stressed.
He revealed that a military operation targeting illegal mining activities will be launched in the coming days.
“In the next few days, people will be rounded up and prosecuted,” he said.
Ablakwa also disclosed that several deportations have already taken place, although these actions have not received much publicity.
“A lot of deportations have already been carried out; they have just not been advertised,” he explained.
He emphasised the need to address repeat offenders who return to restricted zones after military crackdowns.
The Minister appealed to Ghanaians in Nigeria to support the national effort to combat illegal mining, assuring that all necessary steps would be taken to bring the situation under control.
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