During a recent interview on Adom FM, Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey firmly denied accusations that she’s received backing from illegal miners. These claims have come to light as she ramps up her fight against “galamsey,” the local term for illegal mining, within the region. Minister Rita Awatey underscored her dedication to sustainable development and safeguarding the environment, pointing to the government’s wider initiative to combat illegal mining.
The practice of galamsey has severely impacted Ghana’s environment, leading to deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation. The Defence Minister, Dr. Omane Boamah, has also issued warnings to illegal miners, urging them to avoid forest reserves and adhere to legal mining practices.
Minister Rita Awatey’s request for proof shows how committed she is to tackling this problem through the law. She is puzzled by the idea of politicians talking to illegal miners to gain support while also wanting to punish them. As she puts it, “Why would I, who needs proof to take these illegal miners to court, be the same person trying to win them over for political reasons?”
During the interview, Minister Rita Awatey expressed her dedication to working alongside traditional authorities and law enforcement to combat the issue of illegal mining. The region has suffered considerable harm to its environment, with rivers such as the Densu and Birim suffering from severe pollution. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have similarly urged for strong leadership and enforcement to tackle the problem of illegal mining, calling for a reversal of policies that permit mining within forest reserves.
Minister Rita Awatey is determined to address the difficult problem of illegal mining, something that seriously threatens Ghana’s environment and its long-term economic health. As the government cracks down harder on galamsey, the Eastern Regional Minister’s strong commitment shows just how dedicated she is to safeguarding the region’s natural resources and pushing for development that lasts.
Story by: David Gunshot
