The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has stated that the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led government was complicit in the fight against illegal mining, otherwise known as galamsey.

Speaking in an interview on JoyNews and monitored by GhanaWeb on Friday, May 9, 2025, he reaffirmed the government's commitment to combat the galamsey menace, rejecting claims that the government has failed to take decisive actions on illegal mining.

Kwakye Ofosu recalled that one of the administration's first actions upon taking office was to revoke all mining leases believed to have been granted irregularly.

This, he said, was part of a broader effort to dismantle a system previously riddled with governmental complicity.

"Government complicity was one of the reasons they (NPP) could not fight it... In fact, you recall one of the first steps we (NDC) took when we came into power was that we revoked all mining leases that we believe were granted irregularly. That was a first step towards ensuring that people don't secure these leases", he stated.

He further pointed out initiatives undertaken by the government to protect the environment and water bodies from galamsey.

"The Blue Water initiative. You've seen 2,000 young men and women clad in yellow and black uniforms who have been recruited. Now, people erroneously think that these are people who are going to face off with the armed bandits operating the forest.

"They are going to be around the water bodies to help with fact finding and getting in touch with appropriate authorities to respond to persons who seek to degrade the environment," he explained.

Kwakye Ofosu also indicated that Parliament is currently considering LI 2462, which seeks to remove the president's power to grant mining concessions in forest reserves.

He emphasised that the Attorney General has also proposed a more robust measure amending the Minerals and Mining Act, Act 703 to completely prohibit mining activities within forest reserves.

This, he said, is part of the government's legislative efforts to fulfill President Mahama's promise to protect Ghana's environment.

"There's robust legislative work going on to ensure that this promise that President Mama has made comes to fruition," he noted.

JKB/AE

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