The Ministry of the Interior has within the last three months arrested and deported about 107 foreign nationals for their involvement in illegal mining (galamsey) activities.
Out of the number, 92 were Chinese nationals
Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak, Minister for the Interior, who made this known, said 13 additional Chinese nationals were slated for expulsion in the coming weeks over the same issues.
Addressing stakeholders in the Zongo communities as part of his visit to the Ashanti region, he pointed out that, the deportations were crucial component of the government’s intensified efforts to combat illegal mining across the country.
The minister emphasized the severe implications of illegal mining (galamsey) on Ghana’s environment and economy, pledging to take decisive action against foreign nationals involved in such illicit practices.
“Galamsey stands as one of Ghana’s most pressing challenges.
It has come to our attention that certain foreign nationals, particularly those from China, are actively participating in these unlawful activities.
Our position is unequivocal – once apprehended, they will be deported”, he told the gathering.
He reiterated the government’s unwavering stance against illegal mining, stressing that any foreigner caught engaging in such activities would be promptly expelled.
“In the event that we apprehend any foreign national partaking in this illegality, we will not hesitate to repatriate them to their home country”.
The government’s crackdown on illegal mining continues to escalate, with authorities committing to implementing stringent measures to safeguard the nation’s natural resources.
Several stakeholders who were afforded the opportunity also voiced deep concerns regarding the escalating prevalence of drug trafficking and abuse in Zongo communities, urging the minister to take prompt action in addressing this issue.
GNA
