Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced that foreign nationals engaged in galamsey or illegal mining, will face immediate deportation from Ghana. Addressing the Ghanaian community in Lagos, Nigeria, Ablakwa emphasized the government’s dedication to safeguarding the country’s natural resources, echoing President Mahama’s firm policy against mining in vital ecological areas like river bodies and forest reserves.
“In light of our commitment to environmental protection, we will not tolerate any illegal activities that threaten our ecosystems,” Ablakwa asserted. He notified attendees of an impending military operation aimed at cracking down on illegal miners, stating, “In the next few days, we’re going to round people up and prosecute them.”
Ablakwa confirmed that several deportations of foreign offenders have already occurred but noted that these actions have not been widely publicized. He expressed particular concern about repeat offenders who re-enter restricted zones after previous military operations have cleared them. The Minister is optimistic that the intensified government actions will lead to better water quality in the country, as illegal mining significantly contributes to water turbidity.
He called upon Ghanaians residing in Nigeria to support the national efforts against illegal mining, promising that every measure would be taken to combat this ongoing issue that threatens Ghana’s environmental health.
