Mahama tasks Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings with decisive action against galamsey

President John Dramani Mahama has tasked newly sworn-in Environment Minister Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings with providing decisive leadership in the fight against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.

Speaking at her swearing-in ceremony on Saturday, August 29, Mr Mahama described the destruction of Ghana's forests and water bodies through illegal mining as one of the country's most serious threats.

He urged Dr Agyeman-Rawlings to protect Ghana's natural resources while working to secure a healthier environment for future generations.

“The destruction of our forests and water bodies through illegal mining remains one of the gravest threats to our national survival,” President Mahama said.

Environment and public health

The President said Dr Agyeman-Rawlings' background in medicine should give her a particular perspective on the connection between environmental degradation and human health.

“The environment is not separate from human health,” he said, pointing to polluted rivers, contaminated soils, poor sanitation, unsafe air and indiscriminate waste disposal as environmental problems that eventually affect people's health.

He said her responsibilities therefore extended beyond environmental protection to safeguarding the wellbeing of Ghanaians.

“Your task, therefore, Honorable Minister, is both environmental and human,” he said.

President Mahama directed the minister to provide determined leadership in protecting Ghana's natural resources and securing what he described as a healthier future for generations yet unborn.

Government promises firm action

Mr Mahama also said his administration would continue to take firm action against individuals and groups whose activities put private profit ahead of the collective wellbeing of Ghanaians.

The remarks place the fight against galamsey at the centre of Dr Agyeman-Rawlings' responsibilities as she begins her tenure at the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology.

Illegal mining has long been associated with environmental damage, particularly the degradation of forests and water bodies. The President's latest comments indicate that his government intends to maintain the issue as a major policy priority.

For Dr Agyeman-Rawlings, the immediate challenge will be translating the President's directive into effective measures to protect natural resources and address the health consequences of environmental degradation.

The President did not announce any specific new enforcement measure or deadline for the minister during the ceremony.