The Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, has praised the government of President John Dramani Mahama for taking bold measures that have significantly reduced illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in Ghana.
Delivering his assessment just moments after being sworn in as a Justice of the Court of Appeal on Wednesday, October 2, Osagyefo Agyeman Badu II said the tide is finally turning against galamsey under the current administration.
Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II emphasized that, although the fight is not yet over, significant and measurable progress has been achieved.
“I have been on this stool for almost 26 and a half years. Galamsey ,the illegal mining did not start yesterday; it’s been with us for some time. If you ask me about my assessment, I will say now it is going down.” He said.
According to him, initiatives such as the introduction of the Water Guards and the clampdown on encroachment in forest reserves have helped curb the menace.
“If you look at some of the steps that have been taken, before we were not hearing about the people in blue, the Water guards and all that, people have invaded the forest reserves, and we were not seeing that.
“Before this regime came, I know for a fact, because of the work that I do, nine forest reserves had been taken over. Now that the situation has been curbed down.”
While acknowledging that illegal mining has not been completely eradicated, Osagyefo Agyeman Badu II urged the Lands Ministry, government, and the public to intensify efforts to permanently end the practice.
“I wouldn’t stand here and say galamsey is gone; it is still with us but I believe that if you look at the seriousness, I want to encourage whoever is in charge, the Minister for Lands, government and the people of Ghana that we should ensure that we nip this situation in the bud,”
