Credit Kekeli K. Blamey
The Forestry Commission is urging traditional leaders and local communities to support efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which continues to devastate forest reserves across the country.
Lydia Opoku, Acting Executive Director of the Forest Services Division, highlighted the growing danger faced by Forest Guards, who are often outmatched by heavily armed individuals protecting illegal mining operations.
Speaking to journalists during a visit to some galamsey sites in Kumasi, she stressed the need for collective action.
“These miners are protected by armed groups with sophisticated equipment. We cannot confront them alone. We are appealing to chiefs and community members to help protect the forest and support the Commission’s work,” she said.
In a related development, the government has intensified its anti-galamsey efforts with the training of 453 personnel under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources’ Blue Water Initiative.
The recruits underwent a rigorous four-week training program at the Ghana Navy Forward Base in Ezilibo, in the Jomoro District of the Western Region.
They are expected to be deployed within a week to assist the Ghana Navy in protecting the country’s key water bodies from illegal mining activities.
