The state of Israel is fully behind Ghana in the resurgent fight against illegal small-scale mining, its envoy to Accra has said.
Ami Mehl says her country is ready to support Ghana in any capacity “to recover from environmental degradation” caused by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
In a statement released on Wednesday, April 19, ambassador Mehl applauded government and Ghanaians for the “determination and resolve to tackle the issue”.
Government’s resurgent fight against the canker has seen the issuance of a 21-day ultimatum to all illegal miners to leave sites.
Civil society organisations and religious bodies have also joined the fight.
“Being blessed with such a beautiful country, it behoves us to protect and preserve the environment for future generations,” the Israeli ambassador said.
“It is my opinion that the exploitation of one natural resource should not become a death sentence to forests, water bodies and the life they support.”
She cited how Israel suffered decades of existential threats as a result of water shortages.
“I hope that Ghana does not find herself facing water crisis in the future.
“As Ambassador of the State of Israel to Ghana and a former Tour Guide at the Society for Protecting the Nature in Israel, I wish to state my unalloyed support to the campaign against illegal mining and the fight to protect Ghana’s forests and water bodies.”
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, John Peter Amewu, on Wednesday led a task-force to the Eastern Region, the first port of call, to force out all illegal miners.
“I believe that with the political will and support from all and sundry, Ghana will overcome the galamsey menace,” the ambassador stated.
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