Mahama gov't extremely committed to ending galamsey — Kwame Owusu Danso

Lawyer and Executive Director of Lands and Mines Watch Ghana, Kwame Owusu Danso, has commended the John Mahama administration for what he describes as a stronger commitment to tackling illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

According to him, recent interventions by the government have led to the recovery of several forest reserves that had been taken over by illegal miners.

Speaking on Accra-based Joy Prime TV on Monday, June 15, Mr. Owusu Danso said the current administration has demonstrated greater determination in addressing the destruction of forests, water bodies and farmlands caused by illegal mining activities.

"So let's look at approach to these three issues that I've mentioned, water, land, forest, as we speak today. Out of the nine, we are learning that about seven of the forest reserves, which were no-go areas, the red zones have been taken over by government, that means that government has been very intentional about recovering them and that was as a result of the introduction of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat," he said.

He noted that although previous governments introduced measures to address galamsey, the current administration appears to be pursuing the fight with greater urgency and focus.

"Yes, the previous administration had invested somewhat in dealing with mining in our water bodies, but you can see that the commitment levels are different. This administration is extremely committed when it comes to preventing people from mining in our water bodies," he stated.

The anti-galamsey advocate also referenced the government's decision to discontinue some arrangements that, in his view, had allowed illegal mining activities to flourish in parts of the country's forest reserves.

Despite the progress made, he stressed that the fight against galamsey is far from over and called for sustained efforts to protect the environment.