The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has revealed that the government is preparing to roll out significant measures in its ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. In an interview with Bernard Avle on Citi FM’s Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, October 8, Mr. Jinapor disclosed that these interventions would include legislative changes and increased enforcement efforts aimed at curbing the environmental damage caused by illegal mining activities.
One of the key measures expected to be announced is the repeal of LI 2462, a legislative instrument that currently allows mining activities within forest reserves. This move, according to the minister, follows productive discussions between the government and Organised Labour during a recent meeting regarding the latter’s planned nationwide strike, set for October 10. The strike is part of an ongoing protest against the government’s handling of the galamsey crisis, which has devastated large areas of Ghana’s natural environment, particularly its water bodies and forests.
Mr. Jinapor described the meeting with Organised Labour as “very productive and fruitful,” noting that consensus was reached on several fronts, including the decision to repeal LI 2462. He added that the government will ensure swift action once Parliament resumes to implement the necessary changes to the law. “Consensus was reached that the government will take steps to repeal LI 2462 when Parliament resumes and also ensure the expeditious trial of offenders,” he said.
In addition to legislative changes, the government is set to deploy other interventions aimed at preventing further environmental destruction. Mr. Jinapor mentioned that river guards and the navy will soon begin patrolling key water bodies to prevent illegal mining activities. This initiative, he explained, is part of a broader strategy to protect Ghana’s rivers and forests from the harmful effects of galamsey. “River guards and the navy will be patrolling our river bodies, with other interventions,” he stated.
The minister emphasized that while mining contributes to deforestation, it is not the leading cause. He pointed out that agriculture remains the primary driver of deforestation in Ghana, although illegal mining has exacerbated environmental degradation in certain areas. “The number one driver of deforestation is agriculture, and that is not to suggest mining does not do the same,” Mr. Jinapor clarified. He went on to explain that mining in river bodies has been banned, and strict regulations are in place to prevent mining activities near water sources. “Mining on river bodies is banned, and they are red zones. Mining is not permitted within 100 meters of our water bodies, and we are even planning to extend that limit to 200 meters,” he added.
The government’s renewed focus on fighting galamsey follows weeks of public outcry and mounting pressure from various civil society organizations and labor unions. Organised Labour, in particular, has been vocal in its demands for the government to take decisive action against illegal mining operations, which have led to severe environmental destruction and public health concerns. Organised Labour’s planned strike on October 10 is part of their ongoing effort to press the government for stronger action against illegal mining.
In response, Mr. Jinapor reiterated that the government has been actively working to address the galamsey issue and is not acting solely in reaction to recent pressure from labor unions. He pointed out that the government’s efforts to curb illegal mining activities have been ongoing for some time and highlighted the regular enforcement operations being carried out across the country. “The impression should never be created that we are just waking up to take action against this menace. Operation Halt has been happening almost every fortnight, and we are going to intensify that,” the minister stressed.
The Operation Halt initiative, which involves the deployment of security forces to clamp down on illegal mining activities, has been a key component of the government’s strategy to combat galamsey. According to Mr. Jinapor, this initiative will be ramped up in the coming weeks, with more frequent patrols and a stronger emphasis on preventing illegal miners from accessing protected areas. He added that the government is also considering increasing the distance from which mining activities are allowed near water bodies, from the current 100 meters to 200 meters, as part of its broader environmental protection efforts.
As the government prepares to implement these interventions, Mr. Jinapor urged the public to remain patient and supportive of the government’s efforts to tackle the galamsey crisis. He also acknowledged the role of civil society and labor unions in bringing attention to the issue and emphasized that their input would continue to be considered as the government works towards a sustainable solution.
While the government’s efforts to address the illegal mining problem have been ongoing for some time, the upcoming interventions are expected to mark a significant escalation in the fight against galamsey. With the planned repeal of LI 2462 and the deployment of river guards and other enforcement measures, the government aims to protect Ghana’s natural resources while ensuring that mining activities are conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner.
