Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak (R) and COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno
The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has called on the Inspector General of Police, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to enhance strategies to ensure the fight against galamsey ends within the shortest possible time.
Speaking at the Regional Commanders Conference at the Police Headquarters, Accra, Mr. Muntaka stated that illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, is one of the gravest threats to the country’s environment and national stability, which needs tactical solutions to resolve it.
While acknowledging political interference in the fight against this menace, he assured the Police Service of the government’s and the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s full support in the fight against this illegal activity.
To support the fight, Mr. Muntaka announced that the ministry has instructed that mining equipment be registered by July 31, 2025.
“Failure to do so will lead to the confiscation of unregistered equipment. I urge you, Regional Commanders and the Police Service, to enforce this strictly, because if we can seize this heavy equipment from our forests, it will significantly reduce the devastation,” he said and added, “As I mentioned in my last meeting with you, we aim to seize these heavy equipment and apprehend the owners who are often sitting at home, directing young people to engage in this environmentally destructive activity.”
The minister stressed that, “We must all support this effort with the seriousness and resolve it deserves. History will not forgive us if we fail in this sacred responsibility. Let me assure you of the government’s and the National Democratic Congress party’s full support in the fight against this illegal activity.”
He seized the opportunity to commend the IGP for his tireless effort in combatting galamsey, saying, “Mr. IGP, your unrelenting drive to dismantle this destructive menace and your deep commitment to inter-agency collaboration are commendable. You have demonstrated that the Ghana Police Service is not only an enforcer of the law but also a custodian of the national interest.”
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke