In a self-recorded video that has since gone viral, the miner pleaded with the President to instruct soldiers to stop cracking down on illegal mining operations. According to him, galamsey is the only source of livelihood for many in his community.
“Your Excellency John Dramani Mahama, please talk to your soldiers. This is the only job we have to survive and take care of our families, we are not stealing or killing we are only doing galamsey to feed ourselves.”
The miner claimed that the ongoing military operations against illegal mining were affecting the ability of families to earn a living, calling on the government to consider the socio-economic implications before enforcing such crackdowns.
Efforts to clamp down on illegal mining have intensified in recent years under both the current and previous administrations, with the Ghana Armed Forces playing a key role in enforcing bans and arresting offenders.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
