A Communication Team Member of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Dormaa Central Constituency, Peter Mensah, popularly known as Master Planner, has acknowledged that although the government has made significant progress in the fight against galamsey, more needs to be done to address the menace comprehensively.

According to him, the government’s efforts to curb illegal mining and protect the country’s water bodies, forests, and farmlands are commendable. However, the scale and persistence of the menace require sustained action and stronger enforcement.

He cited the repeal of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which allowed mining in forest reserves, the closure of Chanfan Manufacturing Companies in Ghana, and restrictions on the importation of excavators for mining purposes, among other measures, as some of the government’s interventions aimed at curbing illegal mining.

“Although the government has made significant strides in the fight against illegal mining, there is still more to be done. We cannot afford to become complacent. Protecting our water bodies, farmlands, and forests requires sustained action, stronger enforcement, and the collective efforts of government, traditional authorities, security agencies, and communities,” he noted.

Peter Mensah, however, drew attention to what he described as a widespread misconception surrounding the distinction between legal and illegal mining, noting that the two activities are often wrongly treated as the same.

He called for stronger enforcement to ensure that all mining activities are carried out in accordance with the country’s laws and environmental standards.

“There is a widespread misconception that legal and illegal mining are the same. We must, therefore, strengthen enforcement and ensure that all mining activities comply with the laws and environmental standards of the country,” he said.

He also urged traditional authorities to take firm and decisive action to clamp down on illegal mining on their lands to safeguard water bodies, farmlands, forests, and other natural resources for present and future generations.