By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has warned that any foreigners caught engaging in illegal mining—commonly referred to as galamsey—will face immediate deportation.
The Foreign Affairs Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating all forms of illegal mining in forest reserves and around water bodies across the country.
Mr. Okudzeto Ablakwa, who gave the caution while addressing the Ghanaian community in Lagos, Nigeria, underscored President Mahama’s firm stance on protecting the country’s natural resources.
“President Mahama has said that he will not tolerate any form of mining in our river bodies or forest reserves,” he reiterated.
Mr. Ablakwa, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for the North Tongu constituency in the Volta Region, announced that a military operation will soon be launched to target illegal miners.
“In the next few days, we’re going to round people up and prosecute them,” he hinted.
Referring to the upcoming military deployment, Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that several deportations have already taken place, although the government has not publicised them widely.
“Already, a lot of deportations have been carried out. We’ve just not been advertising them,” he added.
The Minister emphasised the need to crack down on repeat offenders who return to restricted zones after military operations have cleared them.
He passionately appealed to Ghanaians in Nigeria to support the national effort to combat illegal mining, assuring them that every necessary measure would be taken to bring the menace under control.
The North Tongu lawmaker expressed optimism that once the government’s actions are fully enforced, the country’s water turbidity will improve.
