The government’s efforts to combat illegal mining (galamsey) are set to yield another major breakthrough, with a key suspect expected to be apprehended soon.
According to Sammy Gyamfi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, the arrest of one of the biggest kingpins in galamsey and his collaborators is imminent.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View, Gyamfi disclosed that significant progress has been made in the government’s fight against galamsey.
“I have good news for you, mark my words, in the next few days, one of the biggest kingpins in galamsey and his collaborators will be arrested,” he stated.
The government has made notable strides in reclaiming forest reserves that were previously ravaged by galamsey activities.
Sammy Gyamfi revealed that out of nine forest reserves that were considered red zones due to extensive destruction under the previous administration, seven have now been secured.
“So far, we have carried out a series of successful raids, and we have secured seven out of the nine forest reserves that used to be red zones, which were destroyed under the NPP. We have almost secured seven of them. And the evidence is out there,” he said.
The operations have led to the arrest of over 160 individuals, and the seizure of significant equipment, including 125 excavators, 10 bulldozers, 7 pick-up vehicles, and 50 motorbikes.
“The main kingpins in the forest reserves have all been booted out. In the process, over 160 people have been arrested. 125 excavators seized. Ten bulldozers were seized, seven pick-ups were seized, and 50 motorbikes were seized,” Gyamfi detailed.
Mr. Gyamfi also highlighted the transparency and effectiveness of the current administration’s approach, contrasting it with the previous government.
“You have not heard that excavators have been stolen because the party [NDC] needs money. You have not heard that we bought drones to fight illegal mining, and the drones cannot be accounted for. You have not heard that government appointees are engaged in illegal mining,” he said.