The Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Godfred Dame, has highlighted the government’s efforts in its ongoing attempts at combatting illegal mining, known as galamsey.

Addressing lawyers and other attendees at the 2024/2025 Annual General Conference of the Ghana Bar Association, Dame announced that over 140 cases of illegal mining, involving more than 850 accused individuals, are currently being prosecuted in courts.

According to him, the cases spread across many regions in the country, including Eastern, Ashanti, Greater Accra and Upper West regions.

“Currently, over 140 cases involving more than 850 accused persons are being prosecuted in the Western, Eastern, Ashanti, Greater Accra, and Upper East regions, with some nearing resolution,” he said.

Godfred Dame further lamented the widespread effects of galamsey on the nation across various sectors.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating the menace and, as such, has introduced severe penalties, including a 20-year jail term and fines, for Ghanaians found guilty of engaging in galamsey.

“Illegal mining continues to wreak havoc on our forest reserves and water bodies. Despite the challenges faced in court, the criminal division has made notable progress, although more work remains.

“Since August 2021, at least 76 individuals, including 18 foreigners, have been convicted. These include the infamous Chinese galamsey queen, Aisha Huang, who was sentenced under the new law, Act 995, to a minimum of 15 years with a hefty fine for non-Ghanaians, while Ghanaians face a minimum of 20 years and a fine,” he said.

The government has faced intense criticisms over the increasing menace of galamsey and its devastating effects on the country's water bodies.

Many Ghanaians have also been mounting pressure on the government to take immediate and effective actions to combat galamsey activities.

MAG/AE