Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has reiterated the government's firm commitment to deporting all foreign nationals engaged in illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

While addressing the Ghanaian community in Lagos, Nigeria, the Minister emphasized President Mahama's strong position on safeguarding the country’s natural resources.

“President Mahama has said that he will not tolerate any form of mining in our river bodies or forest reserves,” he stated.

He revealed that a military operation will soon begin targeting illegal miners.

“In the next few days, we’re going to round people up and prosecute them,” he said, referring to the upcoming military deployment.

Ablakwa also disclosed that several deportations have already taken place, though the government has not publicized them widely.

“Already, a lot of deportations have been carried out. We’ve just not been advertising them,” he added.

He stressed the importance of taking action against those who repeatedly return to restricted areas after military operations have removed them.

The Minister expressed hope that with full implementation of government measures, the water quality in the country will improve.

He made a heartfelt plea to Ghanaians in Nigeria to help the nation in its fight against illegal mining, assuring them that all necessary steps would be taken to tackle the issue.