The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Wassa Amenfi East Municipal Assembly in the Western Region, Mr Raymond Nana Ebbah, has emphasised that Responsible Mining is the most effective approach to curbing illegal small-scale mining activities (galamsey) that continue to threaten Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves.

Speaking in an interview with the media, Mr. Ebbah clarified that President John Dramani Mahama is not calling for a total ban on galamsey operations.

Instead, the President is advocating for Responsible Mining practices—a strategy aimed at allowing regulated small-scale mining while safeguarding the environment.

In support of this initiative, the NDC Constituency Chairman for Amenfi East, Chairman Kofi Atokyi, who has over 30 years of experience in small-scale mining, also endorsed the Responsible Mining agenda.

He explained that the practice, if properly regulated, could sustain livelihoods while preserving the nation’s natural resources.

Chairman Atokyi further assured that individuals or groups who continue to engage in destructive mining practices must face the law, as their activities contribute to the degradation of water bodies and forest reserves across the country.

Both leaders, therefore, urged miners and local stakeholders to adopt sustainable methods that balance economic gains with environmental protection.