The government claims that in the upcoming days it would implement the deployment of speedboats and river guards to crack down on those who engage in illegal mining, commonly known as "galamsey," in an effort to stop the ongoing contamination of water bodies.
Authorities have formally classified river systems "Red Zones" for mining and have banned all but the most rare cases of reconnaissance, prospecting, and exploration in forest reserves.
However, some stubborn organisations continue to operate on the nation's water resources, endangering the safety of the rivers and lakes.
The first Environmental Sustainability Summit (ESS), which was held by the B&FT with the topic "The socio-economic impact of pollution on the environment and natural life," featured a keynote lecture by the deputy minister of lands and natural resources.
Benito Owusu-Bio added that river guards will employ the speedboats to supplement existing security measures in order to effectively prevent polluting operations.
"The Forestry Commission's forest guards have been enforcing this restriction in coordination with the appropriate security authorities, and we are now hiring and training river guards to safeguard our river bodies. We are launching brand-new speedboats in a few days. He emphasised, "We're going to utilise the river guards to pursue galamseyers on the river bodies.
Mr. Owusu-Bio also took advantage of the opportunity to highlight some other significant initiatives that the ministry is putting into place to solve issues with environmental sustainability.
"The government has also banned the production and distribution of the floating platforms known as "Changfan," which are typically employed for ill-gotten gains in river systems. "Operation Halt It" has been started in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense to assist legal actions.
"To give individuals impacted by the battle against illicit mining alternative means of livelihood, the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP) has been created. To encourage ethical and environmentally sound small-scale mining, community mining programmes have been updated, and operating guides have been created, the official added.
The deputy minister also reaffirmed the government's commitment to preserving a healthy environment free from pollution and practises that deplete natural resources.
"The ministry is wholly dedicated to maintaining environmental sustainability and is prepared to collaborate with any organisations that support its efforts in this regard. As a people, it is our responsibility to leave behind a world that is cleaner, healthier, and better than the one we live in today.
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