The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr John Peter Amewu has assured that all the illegal small scale miners who left the mining sites following the anti-galamsey campaign will not be allowed to return.

A number of excavator operators have reportedly withdrawn their equipment from the illegal mining sites as the ultimatum given by the government to clamp down on illegal mining expired on Wednesday.

"I know these guys are going out with the intention of returning but that will not happen this time around. They should take it from me. This time, we as a country, not as a government, collectively have agreed that enough is enough," he said.

READ ALSO: Miners begin surrendering excavators as galamsey ultimatum nears

He added that his outfit will keep a close eye on the various sites that have become known for illegal mining activities.

The illegal mining (galamsey) menace continues to serve as a threat to water bodies, aquatic life, and agriculture in the country.

However, several efforts by previous governments including setting up an inter-ministerial taskforce in the previous administration seem to have proved futile.

The famous Pra and Tano rivers are among the most polluted water bodies in the mineral-rich Western Region.

Farming activities at many communities in the Ashanti Region, which are also endowed with precious minerals, have also been curtailed due to galamsey.