Former President Mahama boldly said he sack public officials in his next government engaging in mining activities. “If you are a minister, a D.C.E, or an office holder and you undertake mining activity, I will sack you,” he declared. This declaration sent shockwaves through the political landscape, as it underscored the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining activities, also known as “galamsay’’.
Former President Mahama emphasized that individuals in public office must choose between serving the public or engaging in mining businesses. My government will not overlook the detrimental impact of illegal mining on the environment, particularly the degradation of lands and forests. In response to this pressing issue, President Mahama said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has proposed a comprehensive initiative aimed at reclaiming degraded lands and rehabilitating them to mitigate the loss of forests and agricultural lands.
This initiative, according to the NDC, would play a crucial role in restoring degraded lands to their former state and creating employment opportunities for the youth in affected areas. Additionally, the NDC pledged to establish a reclamation fund, to be contributed to by regulated small-scale miners, to support the restoration efforts and ensure sustainable mining practices.
The proposed initiative and reclamation fund signaled a proactive approach to addressing the environmental and socio-economic challenges posed by illegal mining activities. It also demonstrated a commitment to fostering responsible and sustainable mining practices while safeguarding the country’s natural resources for future generations. As the political landscape evolved, the nation awaited further developments and actions to combat illegal mining and promote environmental conservation and sustainable development.
