Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, has disclosed that 107 foreign nationals have been deported since he assumed office, as part of a broader government initiative to combat illegal mining, widely referred to as galamsey.
Addressing the media, Minister Muntaka reaffirmed the government’s unwavering stance against illegal mining, citing the immense damage it continues to inflict on the environment and economy.
As part of intensified efforts to address the crisis, he announced a directive to the Inspector-General of Police, instructing the immediate transfer of all regional, divisional, and district police commanders stationed in mining zones.
“The decision to transfer these commanders stems from their prolonged stay in mining areas, where illegal mining continues to thrive. We need new faces and fresh perspectives to address this challenge,” Minister Muntaka stated.
He emphasized that the reshuffling of security personnel in these regions is necessary to bring new energy and accountability to the fight against galamsey, which has proven difficult to curb over the years.
The Minister also signaled that further tough measures will soon be introduced to protect the nation’s natural resources and clamp down on illegal activities that threaten the country’s long-term environmental health.
Illegal mining remains a deeply rooted challenge in Ghana, with widespread concern over its destruction of forests, farmlands, and water bodies. The government’s renewed actions aim to reverse the trend and restore affected communities.
