Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
In line with President John Dramani Mahama’s stance on protecting the country’s natural resources, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deporting all foreign nationals involved in illegal mining (galamsey).
Speaking to members of the Ghanaian community in Lagos, Nigeria, Ablakwa emphasized President Mahama’s stance on protecting the country’s natural resources.
“President Mahama has said that he will not tolerate any form of mining in our river bodies or forest reserves,” he stated.
Ablakwa disclosed that a military operation will soon be launched to target all illegal miners.
“In the next few days, we’re going to round people up
All foreigners engaged in galamsey to be deported – Okudzeto Ablakwa
In line with President John Dramani Mahama’s stance on protecting the country’s natural resources, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has said all foreign nationals involved in illegal mining (galamsey) will be deported.
Speaking to members of the Ghanaian community in Lagos, Nigeria, Ablakwa emphasised President Mahama’s stance on protecting the country’s natural resources.
“President Mahama has said that he will not tolerate any form of mining in our river bodies or forest reserves,” he stated.
Ablakwa also disclosed that a military operation will soon be launched to target all illegal miners.
“In the next few days, we’re going to round people up and prosecute them,” he indicated.
He, however, said that several deportations have already taken place, although they have not been publicly disclosed.
“Already, a lot of deportations have been carried out. We’ve just not been advertising them,” he stated.
According to a citinewsroom.com report, he emphasised the need to crack down on repeat offenders who return to restricted zones after military operations have cleared them.
This, he said, is part of the government’s efforts to crack down on galamsey and protect the country’s water bodies and forest reserves.
Ablakwa expressed optimism that once government actions are fully enforced, the country’s water turbidity will improve.
He urged Ghanaians in Nigeria to support the national effort to combat illegal mining, assuring them that every necessary measure would be taken to bring the menace under control.
MRA/AE
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