Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that the government will deport all foreign nationals found engaging in illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.
Addressing members of the Ghanaian community in Lagos, Nigeria over the weekend, Ablakwa reaffirmed President John Mahama’s commitment to protecting the country’s natural resources.
“President Mahama has made it clear that mining activities in river bodies and forest reserves will not be tolerated,” Ablakwa stated.
He revealed that a military operation aimed at cracking down on illegal miners will be launched in the coming days.
“In the next few days, individuals will be arrested and prosecuted,” he said, underscoring the government’s determination to address the issue.
According to the Minister, many deportations have already been carried out, though they have not been widely publicized.
“Several deportations have taken place quietly,” he explained.
Ablakwa also emphasized the need to prevent repeat offenses, particularly by individuals who return to restricted mining areas after previous enforcement actions.
He urged Ghanaians living in Nigeria to support efforts to combat illegal mining, assuring them that the government is prepared to use all necessary measures to tackle the problem.