President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has established a five-member ad hoc ministerial committee to engage with stakeholders and evaluate the government’s efforts in combating illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
Galamsey has become a serious issue in recent years, with several unions and organizations urging the President to declare a state of emergency to allow for a more focused approach to address the problem.
On Friday, September 13, Information Minister Fatimatu Abubakar released a statement announcing the formation of the committee, which will be chaired by National Security Minister Albert Kan-Dapaah. He will be supported by four other ministers in the assessment of the ongoing fight against illegal mining.
Below is the full list of the committee members:
1. **National Security Minister**, Hon. Albert Kan-Dapaah (Chairman)
2. **Minister for Lands and Natural Resources**, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor
3. **Minister for Defense**, Hon. Dominic Nitiwul
4. **Minister for Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions**, Hon. Ignatius Baffour Awuah
5. **Minister for Information**, Fatimatu Abubakar
This committee will engage all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the government’s efforts to curb illegal mining are thorough and effective.