Ghana’s President John Mahama has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals impersonating members of the National Anti-Galamsey Taskforce and extorting money from licensed small-scale miners.
During his Thank You tour of the Western North Region on Tuesday, July 15, Mahama expressed concern over the widespread environmental destruction in areas such as Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi Anhwiaso, describing the situation as a national emergency.
He pledged intensified efforts by the official taskforce to combat illegal mining in forest reserves and water bodies while condemning the activities of unauthorized groups sabotaging the national fight against galamsey.
To reinforce regional security and support the crackdown on illegal mining and cross-border crime, the President announced the creation of a forward operating base of the Ghana Armed Forces in Ponikrom, located in the Sefwi-Wiawso Municipal District.
The decision, he noted, responds to appeals from traditional leaders seeking enhanced protection for communities affected by illegal mining and criminal activities along Ghana’s borders.
