IGP’s anti-galamsey task force engages miners in Ashanti Region

The Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force put together by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has appealed to registered and unregistered miners to collaborate with the team to win the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

It also called on all miners to operate within the parameters of the law to safeguard the environment.

The call was made by the leader of the team, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Alhaj Bawah, Jalil, at a stakeholders engagement at Manso-Adubia in the Ashanti Region.

Forum

The forum was organised to educate miners on the purpose of the Anti-Galamsey Task Force’s presence in the area, the implications of illegal mining and to explore sustainable alternatives.

It was also used to build cooperation among miners, community leaders and the law enforcement agencies, including the Police.

Threat, operation

While reiterating its commitment to respect the rights of miners, ASP Jalil stated that the team would not countenance the activities of those who destroyed the environment.

"As a Task Force, we are here to guide you to operate within the legal parameters and to seek constructive solutions for livelihood development.

ASP Jalil emphasised the dangers of illegal mining and the long-term environmental consequences it poses, especially to forest reserves and water bodies. 

He said the operation was initiated by President John Dramani Mahama, through the IGP, with the aim of reducing or eliminating galamsey to protect the environment.

He explained that the team’s presence in the area was to combat galamsey activities and ensure that all mining operations were carried out responsibly and within legal frameworks.

Also, he advised the miners to desist from attacking members of the Anti-Galamsey Task Force "and rather channel their grievances through traditional leaders and opinion leaders for appropriate government attention.

The leader of the task force further advised the miners to also be mindful of restoring their mining areas to protect the environment and also safeguard lives.

"You must cover abandoned mining pits, avoid mining near townships and roads, and respect designated mining zones.

"It is the civic duty of community members to protect water bodies and forest reserves from destruction," he said.

Alternative livelihood

Some of the stakeholders called on the government to endeavour to provide alternative sources of livelihood, adding that the lack of that compelled them to engage in galamsey.

They also called on the government to explore and support vocational training, agriculture and small business initiatives as alternative sources of income to areas hard hit by galamsey.

They further called for regular fora where miners, government and security agencies could collaboratively discuss challenges and solutions to the menace.