Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has expressed confidence that the John Mahama-led administration will intensify efforts and succeed in combating illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
His comments follow renewed calls by some religious leaders and civil society organisations for government to declare a state of emergency to curb the destructive practice.
President John Dramani Mahama has, however, argued that such a drastic measure should be considered only as a last resort.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Wednesday, September 17, Mr. Ablakwa stressed the urgency of dealing with the crisis.
“Let me be honest with you, on galamsey, I believe that we can do better. And all the propositions I made in the past, I stand by them. We’re on a suicidal path if we don’t stop this. We must take this up and win this war,” he said.
The Minister underscored his belief in President Mahama’s commitment to tackling the menace and insisted that government will prevail in the fight.
He further noted that the best way to honour the memory of the eight state officials who lost their lives in the August 6 helicopter crash was for the country to ensure decisive victory over illegal mining.
