Zanetor Rawlings Drops Big Announcement About Galamsey

The Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has urged state authorities to intensify enforcement against illegal miners responsible for environmental destruction, warning that offenders must be held accountable for their actions.

She expressed concern over the continued pollution of water bodies and degradation of land caused by illegal mining, stressing that stronger measures were needed to protect the environment and prevent further damage.

According to a report by GhanaWeb on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the minister made the remarks during a field visit on Tuesday, October 20, where she highlighted the need for stricter implementation of existing environmental laws.

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said it was unacceptable for individuals to destroy natural resources and contaminate water sources without facing the appropriate consequences. She called on relevant institutions to strengthen their enforcement efforts and ensure that those involved in illegal mining were brought to justice.

The minister also disclosed that she had received a briefing from the Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) regarding challenges encountered by the authority and its personnel during field operations.

She acknowledged the resources being invested in rehabilitating lands damaged by mining activities but cautioned that such efforts could be wasted if illegal miners continued to operate in areas designated for restoration.

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings further emphasised that Ghanaians engaged in mining must comply with the same environmental requirements imposed on foreign investors operating in the country.

She maintained that environmental regulations should apply equally to everyone, regardless of nationality or status, adding that no individual should be considered above the law.

The minister said she intended to engage the EPA chief executive and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to discuss the situation and identify measures to address the persistent problem.

She also indicated that national security officials would be involved in efforts to tackle illegal mining and prevent further encroachment on lands earmarked for reclamation.

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings stressed that urgent action was necessary to safeguard affected communities and protect the country’s natural resources, warning that continued illegal mining could undermine ongoing efforts to restore degraded landscapes.

Her remarks reinforce calls for stronger enforcement of environmental regulations as Ghana continues to confront the effects of illegal mining on its water bodies, land and ecosystems.

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