Ghana is introducing new measures to combat illegal mining, according to a statement from the presidency on Wednesday, following increasing public pressure on the government to address the issue.
Illegal mining, locally referred to as "galamsey," poses a significant environmental threat by contaminating soil and water in the country, which is the leading gold producer in Africa.
In a statement, President Nana Akufo-Addo announced the deployment of additional military personnel and naval boats to polluted river bodies to ensure the immediate halt of all mining activities, both legal and illegal, around these areas.
“To strengthen legal action against illegal mining, four dedicated courts have already been established,” the statement noted.
Illegal mining also poses a serious risk to cocoa production, one of Ghana's key economic sectors