Akufo-Addo sets up 5-member ad-hoc committee to combat Galamsey

Accra, Ghana - September 13, 2024 - President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has established a five-member ministerial ad-hoc committee to assess the government's efforts in combating illegal mining, also known as "galamsey."

The committee, comprising senior government officials, will evaluate the effectiveness of current measures to address environmental damage caused by galamsey.

Led by National Security Minister Albert Kan-Dapaah, the committee includes Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor, Defense Minister Dominic Nitiwul, Employment Minister Ignatius Baffour Awuah, and Information Minister Fatima Abubakar.

The committee's tasks include reviewing strategies and policies aimed at halting galamsey activities, identifying challenges faced by law enforcement agencies and local authorities, and recommending necessary reforms to strengthen the government's efforts.

This move is part of the government's ongoing commitment to protecting the environment and curbing illegal mining, which has faced increasing public pressure due to damaged rivers and forest reserves, raising health concerns and a potential water crisis.

The formation of this committee follows the previous inter-ministerial task force against illegal mining, which ended in controversy, leading to the resignation of its chair, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong Boateng.

The government hopes this new committee will provide valuable insights to shape future initiatives and effectively combat illegal mining.

Source : Lead News Online