Mahama assures Catholic Bishops of gov'ts commitment to combating illegal mining 

President John Mahama assured the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC) of his government's commitment to fighting illegal mining, known as galamsey.

He highlighted significant progress in reclaiming forest reserves affected by illegal miners.

The President spoke during a visit from a 20-member GCBC delegation led by Reverend Matthew Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani Diocese.

The Bishops congratulated him on his victory in the December 7, 2024 election. They also raised various national concerns, including illegal mining and education reform.

President Mahama acknowledged that combating galamsey is complex. Many unskilled young people turn to illegal mining due to limited job opportunities.

He estimated that over 1.5 million Ghanaians are involved in small-scale mining or galamsey activities.

He clarified that small-scale mining is legal and reserved for Ghanaians only. However, foreign involvement complicates the situation with advanced equipment causing extensive damage.

In the past, young people used simple tools like pickaxes for small-scale mining. Now, foreigners use excavators and chanfan machines, leading to environmental degradation.

Ghana has 288 officially declared forest reserves; 44 have been encroached upon by illegal miners. The remaining reserves lack gold and are not targeted by miners.

The 44 attractive reserves contain gold and are designated as red zones. Security services struggle to access these areas due to armed illegal miners.

President Mahama noted that journalists faced danger when attempting to report from these zones.

To address this issue, the government is taking a step-by-step approach to clear red zone reserves of illegal miners.

So far, seven out of nine identified red zones have been cleared successfully. However, previous efforts were undermined when security forces left the area.

To maintain control over reclaimed reserves, the government now keeps a force stationed there. A rapid deployment team is also on standby for immediate response against any new incursions.

The anti-galamsey task force has seized nearly 200 excavators and destroyed many chanfan machines found operating illegally on rivers.

Rev Matthew Gyamfi presented several national issues for the President's attention during their meeting, including illegal mining and governance reforms.