The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners has applauded President John Dramani Mahama for what it describes as a proactive and honest approach to addressing illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey on Starr 103.5 FM on Monday, October 6, the Association’s President, Michael Peprah, said President Mahama’s administration is actively tackling the galamsey menace and should be commended, not criticized.
“We have seen, as small-scale miners, that government is not idle,” Mr. Peprah stated.
“At a point in time, over nine forest reserves were no-go areas for the military and the Forestry Commission, but now we can confirm like the Tano Nimiri, like the Offin Shelter Belt, like the other ones that we all know that we[government] have been able to clear off all these people[gaamseyers] from these, forest reserves.”
“We should all understand that this problem did not start today – over the past eight years it has compounded, and it is not the fault of this government.”
He described the President’s decision to reject calls for a state of emergency as “honest and wise,” emphasizing that the government’s ongoing interventions show a commitment to finding lasting solutions rather than resorting to political theatrics.
Mr. Peprah’s remarks come after President Mahama dismissed calls from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, civil society organizations, and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) for an emergency declaration to tackle illegal mining.
READ: Junior doctors to withdraw services nationwide over unpaid salaries, neglect
At a recent dialogue with civil society at the Jubilee House, President Mahama explained that while the Constitution empowers him to declare a state of emergency, such a move must be guided by the National Security Council – which, he said, believes the fight against galamsey can be won without it.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
