Newly elected Fomena Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ibrahim Atipilleh, has pledged to support people engaged in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, provided they operate within the rules he says he will enforce.
Speaking to the media after his election in the party’s recent constituency executive polls, Mr Atipilleh said galamsey was the main source of livelihood for many residents, making it important to consider their economic needs.
“I know that in Fomena, the only work we do here is galamsey, so I am standing firmly behind anybody who wants to engage in galamsey in this area. I will allow you to do it the right way, but if you are not doing it the right way, I won't allow you to do it,” he said.
Mr Atipilleh also expressed his readiness to work with his predecessor, Eric Opoku, to promote unity and development within the party.
His comments come as the government continues to commit millions of cedis to efforts to combat illegal mining, which has contributed to damage to water bodies and forest reserves across Ghana.
As part of the campaign, the government has established initiatives and task forces, including the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), to intensify enforcement against illegal mining.
NAIMOS has also received funding to strengthen its operations and work around the clock to curb illegal mining activities nationwide.
