The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners has blamed the recent upsurge in illegal mining activities on inadequate logistics to fight the menace.
This assertion comes at a time when over seven hectares of forest land have been destroyed by illegal miners in the Oda Forest Reserve in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region.
Speaking to Citi News, the Director of Research of the Association, Mike Gizo, said until the needed logistics are deployed to intensify the fight, the crusade against illegal mining will not be won.
“The various authorities are under-resourced. Logistically, we are not up to the standard. So we are pleading for assistance from the various government institutions. When Operation Vanguard and Galamstop were introduced, we mentioned that we will check the miners on the water bodies and we did well; but now we need support and financial assistance and other things.”
Illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’ is one of the major problems Ghana has faced for many years now, with the government trying its best to fight the never-ending menace.
It has led to the destruction of vast farmlands and pollution of water bodies.
It is for this reason that President Akufo-Addo assented to an amendment to the country’s mining laws that will see convicted illegal miners facing at least 15 years in prison.
The menace has cost the nation a great deal through the destruction of vast farmlands and the pollution of valuable water bodies.
Enforce amended Minerals Commission Act to stop galamsey – Media Coalition
The Coalition has in the past called for strict enforcement of the amended Minerals Commission Act.
The coalition had also called for stringent sanctions against perpetrators of illegal mining following the resurgence of the menace in the Eastern Region.
Illegal small scale mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’ is one of the major problems Ghana has faced for many years now, with the government trying its best to fight the never-ending menace.
Many lands have been destroyed and water bodies polluted due to galamsey activities.
It is for this reason that President Akufo-Addo assented to an amendment to the country’s mining laws that will see convicted illegal miners facing at least 15 years in prison.
by Nii Larte Lartey
