You Cannot Turn a Blind Eye to Galamsey – Ayariga Tells Regional Ministers, MMDCEs

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has cautioned Regional Ministers and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) against ignoring illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, in their respective jurisdictions.

Ayariga stressed that local and regional authorities have an important responsibility in the fight against illegal mining and must not allow the destruction of the country’s natural resources to continue under their watch.

According to him, government appointees responsible for administering the various regions, municipalities and districts cannot distance themselves from the fight against galamsey, particularly when illegal mining activities are taking place within areas under their supervision.

He emphasised that Regional Ministers and MMDCEs must demonstrate commitment by actively monitoring mining activities, supporting enforcement efforts and ensuring that individuals operating illegally are brought to the attention of the appropriate authorities.

His warning comes amid growing concerns about the devastating effects of illegal mining on Ghana’s environment, particularly the pollution of rivers, destruction of forest reserves and degradation of agricultural lands.

Galamsey has remained one of the country’s major environmental challenges, with several communities expressing concern over the deterioration of water bodies and the impact of mining activities on their livelihoods.

The government has repeatedly indicated its commitment to tackling illegal mining while allowing legitimate mining operations to continue within the country’s laws and regulations.

Ayariga’s remarks reinforce the expectation that the fight against galamsey should not be left solely to security agencies and central government institutions. Local authorities, he suggests, must also play an active role in preventing and addressing illegal mining activities.

The warning places renewed responsibility on Regional Ministers and MMDCEs to strengthen supervision and ensure that the fight against illegal mining receives the attention it requires at every level of governance.

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