Accra, Ghana – In a bid to tackle the menace of illegal mining, President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday inaugurated the Goldbod Task Force, a specialized unit mandated to clamp down on galamsey operators in the country.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, President Mahama assured Ghanaians that the government is committed to protecting the country’s natural resources and ensuring that those who engage in illegal mining activities are brought to justice.
“We will not tolerate any form of illegal mining in our country,” President Mahama declared. “We will work tirelessly to ensure that our natural resources are harnessed for the benefit of all Ghanaians.”
To encourage citizens to report galamsey activities, President Mahama announced that whistleblowers will be eligible to receive 10% of the seized gold or its cash value. “If you blow the whistle on anybody engaged in illegal mining, you are eligible to receive 10% of the seized gold or cash value,” he said.
The Goldbod Task Force, which is composed of security personnel, mining experts, and other stakeholders, will be responsible for identifying and prosecuting individuals and groups involved in galamsey. The task force will also work to educate communities about the dangers of illegal mining and the importance of environmental protection.
President Mahama’s initiative is seen as a significant step towards addressing the galamsey menace, which has been a major concern for the country. The move is expected to help protect Ghana’s natural resources, promote sustainable mining practices, and ensure that the benefits of mining are shared equitably among all Ghanaians.