President Akufo-Addo Forms Ministerial Committee to Review Anti-Galamsey Efforts
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has established a five-member ministerial ad-hoc committee to assess the effectiveness of the government’s measures in combating illegal mining, or “galamsey,” as public pressure mounts over the environmental devastation caused by these activities.
Led by National Security Minister Albert Kan-Dapaah, the committee includes senior officials such as Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor and Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul.
It has been tasked with reviewing existing anti-galamsey strategies and recommending reforms to strengthen enforcement. The team will also examine the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies and local authorities in curbing illegal mining.
This move follows growing concerns over the damage to rivers, forests, and water resources, which have sparked fears of an impending water crisis.
The government’s previous efforts, including an inter-ministerial task force led by former Environment Minister Prof. Kwabena Frimpong Boateng, faltered, culminating in his resignation amidst controversy.
The formation of this new committee underscores the administration’s recognition of the scale of the challenge, as well as the political and environmental pressures it faces.
With natural resources at risk and public health concerns rising, the government is under increasing scrutiny to deliver lasting results in its fight against galamsey.
