President Akuffo Addo reports on galamsey fight and gold production achievements.

In his final address to the nation, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo reported on his administration’s efforts to combat illegal mining (galamsey), and various achievements in Ghana’s mining industry.

He reiterated his aforementioned commitment in his inaugral speech to tackle galamsey, a practice that has been damaging to the country’s lands and water bodies.

”In my inaugural speech in my swearing in my first term on 7^th January in 2017, I made a public commitment to tackle galamsey, a phenomenon that has been ravaging our environment and destroying our lands and water bodies in pursuit of gold.” He stated

He acknowledged the challenges that came with the decision, stating, “I was very much aware that fighting galamsey was not a popular position for a president.”

He added that he was prepared to “put my presidency on the line in the defense of our lands and water bodies.”

The president also noted that the galamsey crackdown led to the loss of some parliamentary seats for his party, which affected the implementation of some of his policies.

Despite this, he emphasized the significant achievements in the mining, forestry, and land sectors.

“We implemented some of the boldest and progressive policies in the mining, forestry, and land sectors,” he stated. “The result of this policy, we overtook South Africa as the leader of gold production in Africa.”

He further emphasized that under his leadership, gold production increased consistently, reaching a record of 4 million ounces last year. ‘we have consistently increased gold production to reach an unprecented , 4 million ounces last year.’’

Additionally, President Nana Addo added that the government revived dormant mines and planted over 52 million trees in four years as part of efforts to restore the environment and mitigate the effects of galamsey.

By:Joyce Kpeglo