‘The Fight is Ongoing’: 71 Galamsey Miners Arrested, 150+ Excavators Seized – Kwakye Ofosu
Government Cracks Down on Illegal Mining with Record Arrests and Equipment Seizures
- 71 illegal miners arrested in ongoing galamsey crackdown
- Over 150 excavators, vehicles, and firearms seized by authorities
- Government vows stronger action to fully revoke L.I. 2462
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister for Government Communications, has announced significant progress in the fight against illegal mining, known as galamsey.
A total of 71 illegal miners have been apprehended, and more than 150 excavators, vehicles, and firearms have been confiscated in ongoing operations.
Addressing an audience of diplomats, journalists, and stakeholders at a World Press Freedom Day event in Accra on May 5, Kwakye Ofosu reiterated the government’s firm commitment to ending the galamsey scourge.
He emphasized that the administration’s efforts to tackle the issue are resolute and ongoing.
“We’ve arrested 71 illegal miners, and seized over 150 excavators, bulldozers, vehicles, and other weapons,” he reported. “Our work continues to ensure that the L.I. 2462 regulation is fully repealed.”
The Minister also revealed that on March 20, Ibrahim Murtala, the Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, introduced Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 in Parliament.
However, the government now plans to revoke this regulation entirely when Parliament reconvenes, rather than amending it as previously planned. In addition, the government is reviewing existing mining laws and strengthening them as part of a broader strategy to eliminate illegal mining activities.
