A significant agreement was signed today between the Government of Ghana and the International Environment Protection Consortium (IEPC) to tackle illegal mining, known locally as 'galamsey'. The five-year deal, worth US$100 million, focuses on rehabilitation of affected lands, enforcement technologies, and community engagement. The President highlighted the environmental and social damage caused by unregulated mining. The IEPC will provide expertise, equipment, and funding for monitoring systems and land restoration projects. Local environmental groups praised the initiative, calling it long overdue. Implementation teams will be deployed to hotspot regions within the next six weeks. The agreement also includes provisions for alternative livelihood programs for miners.