The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has sent a strong warning to illegal miners and their financiers, declaring that the government is closing in on them.
Speaking to the media on Monday, February 24, during a visit to the Offin-Shelterbelt Forest Reserve in the Nkawie Forest District, Ashanti Region, the minister vowed to crack down on all individuals involved in the destruction of Ghana’s natural resources.
“We are coming after you. You have a choice—leave now or be arrested along with your co-conspirators,” he cautioned.
“Investigations are already underway, tracking those involved, from miners to their financiers and those who rent out excavators. They will all face the full rigors of the law.”
His statement comes amid growing concerns over illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey,’ which has led to widespread environmental degradation and pollution of water bodies.
The minister also revealed attempts by influential individuals to pressure him into releasing arrested Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining.
However, he made it clear that such interventions would not work under his administration.
“Let me warn those trying to intervene on behalf of Chinese nationals arrested for illegal mining.
“Yesterday, I received one of those calls, and I made it clear—the only person who can instruct me to release them is the President of the Republic…
“And let me assure you, the President will not call anybody,” he stated firmly.
Source: mynewsgh.com
