SONA 2022: we need the support of all Ghanaians to end illegal mining- President Akufo Addo

President Nana Akufo-Addo has called for the support of all citizens to end illegal mining activities in the country at his delivery of the 2022 State of the Nation Address earlier on Wednesday, March 30, 2022.

The President acknowledged that the support of all Ghanaians is critical to winning the fight against illegal mining or galamsey activities in the country.

“If ever, the support of all citizens were required to make something work, it is in the battle to end illegal mining and return our water bodies back to health”, he said.

The President reiterated the measures taken by his government to halt galamsey activities in the country including, the declaration of river bodies and forest reserves as red zones for mining and suspension of the issuance of all prospective exploration and recognizance licenses for minerals in forest reserves.

He also indicated that the introduction of the community mining scheme is to replace illegal mining as it is a more endurable and greener protection than galamsey.

The president furthered that the government needs the support of all citizens to make these measures work to bring an end to the lingering menace.

“What we need above all is the buy-in of all citizens to recognize that degradation cost to the lands and water bodies by the illegal mining practices affects each one of us and we should all take an interest to stop those involved” he added.