Accra, April 1, 2025 – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reaffirmed its unwavering stance against illegal mining, warning that no individual—regardless of status or political influence—will be spared if found violating environmental regulations.
Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, Prof. Nana Ama Klutse, stressed the agency’s firm resolve to protect Ghana’s environment amid the rising devastation caused by illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.
“We are focused on our mandate to safeguard the environment. No one, whether a politician or an ordinary citizen, will be above the law if caught engaging in illegal mining,” she stated emphatically.
Politicians Not Exempt from Prosecution
Addressing concerns about political interference, Prof. Klutse revealed that while the EPA has yet to receive formal complaints implicating politicians in illegal mining, the agency remains committed to taking action against any offender.
“If any politician is involved in illegal mining, and we get hold of the person, we will still apply the law as we would to any other Ghanaian,” she assured.
She further explained that while the EPA actively monitors environmental violations, it also relies on reports from communities and businesses to track illegal mining activities. Complaints that meet legal thresholds are swiftly investigated, and offenders are prosecuted accordingly.
A Battle Against Armed Illegal Miners
Despite its commitment, the EPA faces significant challenges, as illegal miners are often heavily armed and have been known to attack law enforcement teams.
“Our monitoring teams, including those from the Forestry Commission, police, and even the military, have been attacked by illegal miners. This makes our work extremely dangerous,” Prof. Klutse revealed.
She acknowledged the limited human resources within the EPA, which has made the fight against galamsey even more difficult. However, she emphasized the need for community involvement as a critical strategy to combat illegal mining more effectively.
A Call for Community Action
To strengthen enforcement efforts, Prof. Klutse urged communities to actively participate in the fight against illegal mining, stressing that collaboration between state agencies and local residents could yield better results.
“If we engage communities and get them to fight alongside us, we can make greater progress. Right now, it feels like there are more illegal miners than the institutions fighting against them,” she observed.
Her remarks come as Ghana continues to grapple with the environmental devastation caused by galamsey, including deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation.
As the EPA intensifies its crackdown, the public is being encouraged to report illegal mining activities, with assurances that all offenders—no matter their status—will be held accountable.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Gumedzo Isaac Acheampong
