By Felix Cofie
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources – MLR. of Lands and Natural Resources has condemned the recent attack on some journalists from CITI News by illegal miners commonly referred to as galamsey operators in the Breman-Adomanya Forest area of the Wassa Amenfi West District in the Western Region—destroying timber and cocoa trees, rubber farms, and polluting the nearby River Tano.
According to the Ministry, this brazen act of violence against media personnel who were simply performing their duty to inform the public is utterly unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms.
A statement signed by the Public Relations officer at the Ministry, Abraham OTABIL, said the recent attack underscores the pervasive and destructive nature of illegal mining activities in the country.
“These operators not only destroy our environment, pollute our water bodies, and degrade our forests, but they also resort to violence and intimidation to protect their illicit activities. This is a direct threat to the rule of law, the safety of citizens, and the freedom of the press, which is a cornerstone of our democracy.
As a Ministry, we reiterate the government’s unwavering commitment to combating illegal mining and protecting our natural resources.”
The statement said the attack on the Citi News team is a stark reminder of why we must collectively fight this menace. “Illegal mining is not just an environmental issue; it is a national crisis that requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, including government agencies, traditional leaders, local communities, and the media.
We commend the bravery and dedication of the journalists who risked their lives to expose the truth.” The statement warned the perpetrators of this attack that government will not tolerate such lawlessness.
It said the ministry is working closely with the security agencies to ensure that those responsible are apprehended and made to face the full rigours of the law. The statement called on all Ghanaians to unite in the fight against illegal mining. “We must protect our environment, our livelihoods, and our future.
Together, we can restore the integrity of our lands and ensure that our natural resources benefit all citizens, not just a few selfish individuals.”
Full statement below:
One Response