Nana Poku Bosompim, Western Regional Manager of the Ghana Forestry Commission, has reported that approximately 3,000 hectares of land in Takoradi have been devastated by illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.
The widespread destruction has triggered intensified anti-galamsey operations by the Ghana Armed Forces across the country.
Mr. Bosompim disclosed the extent of the damage following a recent raid on an illegal mining site located within a local forest reserve.
The enforcement action forms part of a broader national campaign to clamp down on illegal mining and safeguard Ghana’s natural resources.
“Right now, I can confirm that approximately 3,000 hectares of forest reserve land in the Takoradi Forest District have been ravaged and destroyed by illegal mining activities,” he stated.
This alarming level of destruction underscores the severe environmental consequences of galamsey, which include deforestation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss.
Illegal miners often use dangerous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, posing serious risks to human health, aquatic life, and the broader ecosystem.
