The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to combating illegal mining, stressing that all offenders, regardless of their status or political affiliation, will be held accountable.
Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV on April 1, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, Prof. Nana Ama Klutse, stated that the agency remains focused on its mandate to protect Ghana’s environment.
“We need to protect the environment no matter who is involved, whether legally or illegally. So for us, we are focused on our mandate,” she emphasized.
Addressing concerns over political involvement in illegal mining, Prof. Klutse clarified that the EPA has not received any formal complaints implicating politicians in such activities.
“So far, we have not received any complaints about politicians being involved in illegal mining. However, the EPA, apart from conducting its monitoring, also responds to complaints. If we receive reports from communities or companies, we take the necessary action, including prosecuting offenders who violate compliance regulations,” she explained.
She reassured Ghanaians that any politician found engaging in illegal mining would face legal consequences, just like any other offender.
Prof. Klutse further highlighted the dangers associated with illegal mining, noting that armed miners often pose a threat to state authorities monitoring these activities.
“The illegal miners are fully armed, and they attack state authorities when they go around to monitor. We have had staff from the Forestry Commission, police, and even military men suffering these attacks,” she revealed.
To strengthen the fight against illegal mining, she called for greater community involvement, emphasizing that collaboration with local stakeholders would yield more effective results in tackling the menace.
