Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, says although illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, has not been completely wiped out, government interventions have drastically reduced the menace.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face programme on Tuesday, May 12, Gbande stated that authorities have intensified efforts to tackle illegal mining activities, particularly in forest reserves and water bodies.
According to him, government has deployed a specialised and “combative” task force to protect these areas, adding that the team has been highly effective in enforcing mining restrictions.
“Galamsey has not ended, but we’ve been able to reduce it drastically,” he said.
Gbande explained that the government’s approach also focuses on regulating small-scale mining through community mining and cooperative mining initiatives aimed at promoting responsible mining practices and land reclamation after operations.
He stressed that the objective is not to abolish small-scale mining but to ensure that mining activities are carried out legally and responsibly.
The NDC deputy general secretary further noted that security agencies continue to clamp down on illegal miners regardless of their political affiliations.
“There are still a few people involved in illegal mining, but that is why the laws and law enforcement agencies exist — to pursue and deal with such individuals,” he stated.
Gbande added that while both legal and illegal mining activities still exist, the distinction lies in licensing, adherence to regulations, and proper reclamation of mined lands.
He maintained that although galamsey has not been fully eradicated, government measures have significantly reduced its scale and environmental impact.
