Takoradi: Mr Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, has expressed his resolve to take decisive actions to tackle the pollution of water bodies caused by illegal mining activities (galamsey) in the Region. He stated that despite the challenges, stakeholders, including the Ghana Armed Forces, must work together to find lasting solutions to the menace.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Nelson was addressing officers of the Takoradi Air Force Base as part of his familiarisation tour of security agencies in the Western Region. He noted that the damage caused by illegal mining activities on the environment was severe, and that there was a need for a coordinated approach to tackle this complex issue.
The Minister emphasized that the destruction of the environment and pollution of water bodies due to illegal mining cannot be ignored. He stressed the importance of a multi-faceted solution involving various stakeholders, including the military, to address the severity of the problem.
Mr Nelson stated that leadership required making tough choices, and taking decisive actions against perpetrators of illegal mining was necessary. He highlighted the importance of providing alternative livelihoods for those dependent on illegal mining to help restore degraded lands and polluted water bodies.
Air Commodore Kwabena Kissiedu Manukure Atiemo, the Takoradi Air Force Base Commander, reaffirmed their commitment to work together to tackle the issue despite the complexities encountered in the fight against illegal mining.
