Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, has assured Ghanaians that government’s resolve to clamp down on galamsey is genuine and uncompromising, insisting it is “no charade, no joke.”
Mr. Kotoko emphasized that under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the fight against galamsey has been elevated to a national priority.
He stressed that the President has entrusted the Minister with the task because he believes in his competence and determination to see the battle through.
“This is not firefighting or pretending to fight. With President Mahama’s commitment and Minister Armah-Kofi Buah’s leadership, we are treating this as an onerous national task. The actions of NIMOS in the coming days will reveal a lot,” Mr. Kotoko declared.
He disclosed that the National Illegal Mining Operations Squad (NIMOS) will soon roll out a series of operations, including arrests and prosecutions of offenders. According to him, the Ministry has already engaged the Attorney General’s office to fast-track court processes against suspects, some of whom are already in custody.
Beyond enforcement, Mr. Kotoko revealed that plans are underway to launch a dedicated channel dubbed “Forest TV.” The platform, he explained, would serve to educate the public about environmental protection, provide regular updates on NIMOS activities, and keep citizens informed on progress made in tackling galamsey.
“We need to brief the media constantly, so the public knows what is happening. From arrests to prosecutions, it will all be made public. Forest TV will also serve as an educational tool on our environment, forests, and water bodies,” he noted.
Mr. Kotoko reiterated that the government remains unshaken in its resolve to restore Ghana’s degraded lands and polluted rivers, urging the public to support the initiative and reject claims that the fight is a charade.
