Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has reiterated the government’s determination to bring an end to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, particularly in forest reserves and water bodies.

Speaking at an engagement with the Ghanaian community in Belgium, the Vice President revealed that new legislative measures are underway, including the preparation of a bill aimed at banning illegal mining activities.

The meeting formed part of her official visit to Brussels for the 2025 Global Gateway Forum.

Prof Opoku-Agyemang expressed appreciation to the Ghanaian community for their continued contributions to national development and called on them to remain active partners in the country’s progress.

Discussions at the meeting covered key issues such as food safety, import duties, youth discipline, labour migration, and the ongoing fight against illegal mining.

She further highlighted government initiatives such as the Adwumawura Programme and the 24-Hour Economy Policy, which are designed to create more job opportunities for Ghanaians both at home and abroad.

The Vice President also urged parents in the diaspora to project a positive image of Ghana to their children and encouraged young people to uphold discipline and plan diligently for their futures.

Accompanying her, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, disclosed that the government is currently reviewing over 2,100 mining licenses issued in the past eight years.

He noted that while only 88 licenses were granted between 1988 and 2016, the period from 2017 to 2024 saw a dramatic increase to 2,167.

Some of these cases, he said, are under investigation, and offenders will be prosecuted as part of efforts to restore the nation’s degraded water bodies.