Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, has urged the government to introduce stiffer measures to curb illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
His call comes after the August 6 helicopter crash that killed eight people, who were reportedly en route to a galamsey-related event.
Speaking on the matter on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Sammie Wiafe, Mr. Kotoko said he anticipates decisive action from the government, including the possible repeal of L.I. 2462, as part of efforts to safeguard Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves.
He added that beyond policy changes, there must be punitive measures strong enough to deter people from engaging in illegal mining.
“I’m aware of information that President John Dramani Mahama may soon announce tougher decisions. I will not be surprised if it includes the repeal of L.I. 2462. It’s a clarion call on all of us. These people who engage in this enterprise, excuse me to say, are largely heartless and do not care what words you come and put out here.
“But there must be some disincentives, measures that will be punitive enough.”
Following the August 6 helicopter incident, calls have intensified for the government to take harsher action against what experts describe as ‘environmental terrorism.’
Critics have also condemned the President for not seizing the moment to declare an immediate state of emergency.
Environmentalists caution that L.I. 2462 has inadvertently fuelled destructive galamsey, putting Ghana’s forest reserves and vital water bodies at serious risk.
