The Western Regional Director of the Forestry Commission, Nana Poku Bosompim, has attributed the recent rise in illegal mining activities across the Western Region to the increasing involvement of foreign nationals, warning that the situation continues to pose a serious threat to the environment and the region’s water resources.
According to him, the activities of illegal miners, popularly known as galamsey, have led to the destruction and pollution of several rivers and streams that serve as major sources of drinking water for many communities.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Almighty News Desk, Nana Poku Bosompim stressed the need for stronger collaboration among traditional authorities, local communities and state institutions to effectively combat the menace.
“The recent trend we are witnessing is largely being driven by foreign nationals who have infiltrated the region to engage in illegal mining. Their activities are causing extensive destruction to our forests and polluting our water bodies, which should be a source of life for our people,” he said.
The Regional Director appealed to chiefs, queen mothers and community elders to support the Forestry Commission by protecting their lands and refusing to offer sanctuary to illegal miners.
“Traditional leaders have a critical role to play. We need chiefs and elders to work closely with us by denying illegal miners access to their lands and by providing timely information that will help us enforce the law,” he appealed.
He also criticised some residents living near rivers and forest reserves for allegedly allowing foreign nationals to settle in their communities and use their lands for illegal mining operations.
“Some community members are facilitating these activities by leasing or giving out land to foreigners for illegal mining. We must all take responsibility because protecting our environment is a shared duty,” Nana Poku Bosompim stated.
The Forestry Commission Director further called on the security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and enforcement operations to dismantle illegal mining networks operating in the region.
“The fight against galamsey cannot be won by the Forestry Commission alone. It requires a coordinated effort involving the security agencies, traditional authorities, local assemblies and every Ghanaian who values our natural resources,” he added.
He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s forest reserves and water bodies, urging all stakeholders to work together to eliminate illegal mining and preserve the environment for future generations.
