A government advisory team on a fact-finding mission to assess the impact of illegal mining (galamsey) faced stiff resistance in parts of the Western and Central regions as they immobilised and seized equipment. The operation, aimed at curbing environmental destruction, sparked angry reactions from illegal miners and some officials of the governing National Democratic Congress […]
Tag: Galamsey
Illegal miners block Forestry Commission’s access after hijacking 9 reserves
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has painted a disturbing picture of Ghana’s fight against illegal mining (galamsey). According to him, illegal miners have taken over nine forest reserves, preventing the Forestry Commission from accessing them. The Minister told Parliament that galamsey continues to cause severe destruction to Ghana’s lands and […]
Excavator, changfan machines, pumping machines at Apamprama Forest Reserve burnt
The Rapid Response Team of the Bekwai Forest District has burnt an excavator, changfan machines, and water pump machines at the Apamprama Forest Reserve. This was part of efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the area. This was disclosed by Bekwai Forest District Manager, Ernest Adofo, in an interview with Adom News […]
Minister-designate for Environment advocates phased approach to Ghana’s environmental issues
The Minister-designate for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has called for a thoughtful and phased approach to addressing key environmental challenges during his appearance before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, January 30. The nominee touched on critical issues such as plastic waste management, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and securing climate funding, offering […]
State of emergency won’t stop galamsey without community action – Bryan Acheampong
Food and Agric Minister Bryan Acheampong says declaring a state of emergency to combat illegal mining aka “galamsey,” would be ineffective without the active involvement of local communities. In an interview on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition the Minister highlighted the need for a national dialogue that engages all sectors of society to confront […]
18 changfans, 10 water pumps destroyed on first day of military operation against illegal mining
A total of 18 changfang machines which were being used for illegal gold mining were destroyed on the first day of the renewed military operation dubbed “Operation Halt 2”, as part of the fight against illegal mining commonly known as galamsey [gather and sell]. Aside the changfans, 10 water pumps were also destroyed by the […]
It’s a refreshing change – Ken Ashigbey on government’s latest effort to curb galamsey
Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, has described the government’s recent actions to combat illegal mining or galamsey, as a “refreshing change.” He however noted that there are still things that the government ought to do to ensure that the menace is halted. Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsnight on Thursday, October 10, Dr […]
Govt partners Small-Scale Miners to protect Ghana’s rivers and forest reserves
In a move geared towards environmental conservation, the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) has announced a major collaboration with the government to intensify efforts in combating illegal mining and safeguarding the nation’s vital natural resources. This partnership aims to protect river bodies and forest reserves, marking a new chapter in the fight against […]
Akufo-Addo orders more troops to fight galamsey
President Akufo-Addo has instructed the Minister of Defence to deploy additional military forces to reinforce “Operation Halt,” the government’s initiative to curb illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. The operation will focus on regions near water bodies and forest reserves, which have been severely impacted by illegal mining activities. This directive follows mounting pressure from […]
Galamsey: Organised labour suspends October 10 strike
Organised labour has suspended their planned October 10 strike over the illegal mining menace. This was announced by the Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Joshua Ansah on Wednesday. Speaking in Accra, the Congress indicated that the decision followed a meeting with the government, during which the administration offered enhanced measures to strengthen […]
Doctors will not join Organised Labour’s strike against ‘galamsey’
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has indicated that its members will not participate in the nationwide strike action declared by Organised Labour in protest against illegal mining (galamsey). In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the GMA President, Dr. Frank Serebour expressed the association’s support for the cause but urged all GMA members […]
Lands Minister denies excessive mining approval allegation
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor has refuted claims that the current government has issued an excessive number of mining licenses. He clarified that he has faced criticism for not approving enough licenses to meet the industry’s needs. In an interview with Citi FM on Tuesday [Oct 8 2024], Mr Jinapor […]