The Central Regional Minister, Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere, has assured residents that the government is stepping up its fight against illegal mining, known popularly as galamsey, in the Central Region.

He revealed that the Regional Security Council, working with support from the central government, is intensifying clampdowns on the illegal trade, which has already forced the shutdown of some water treatment plants.

Speaking to journalists in Accra on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Mr. Okyere stressed that galamsey would be defeated, but warned that the fight requires a united front.

“The fight against galamsey is not something that one person can handle; it should be a collective effort. So, I employ all of us to come on board and pull our strength to ensure that it is done.

“Right now, it has become an attitudinal issue, where people think that the way to make money is to go into the water body to find gold. So, I think the government is doing its best, but the citizens will have to change their attitude so that we can all get our water clean,” he said.

The Minister underscored the importance of public support in ensuring lasting solutions, noting that without a shift in attitudes, enforcement alone would not be enough to secure the region’s water bodies and environment.