The Paramount Chief of Twifo Hemang in the Central Region, Otumfuo Amoah Sasraku IV has called on traditional authorities across the country to support government in clamping down on illegal mining activities, as well as, illegal lumbering.
In an interaction with the media, he intimated that, the act of illegal mining was destroying the environment and has adversely impacted farming activities, the major economic activity of the people in the area.
He added that, the illegal mining act popularly known as ‘Galamsey’ is also affecting their water supply to the communities due to excessive pollution.
The Traditional authorities in Twifo Hemang therefore pledged to support government, to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the area.
According to the chiefs, their aim is to help bring an end to the destruction of water bodies including the Pra River, as well as, preserve the forest.
Despite governments measures laid out in combating the menace of illegal mining, it’s still remains a battle yet be won as some miners have failed to adhere to measures and desist from stopping the practice.
In his first term in office, the President, Nana Addo- Dankwa Akufo-Addo, put up measures against illegal mining by introducing the Operation Vanguard a joint police and military patrol in mining areas to curb the menace.
Government through a collaboration with the Operation Vanguard task-force managed to seize mining machinery and equipment including excavators from illegal miners who operated without permission during the ‘galamsey’ ban.
Also, as part of governments effort to mitigate illegal mining in the country, it introduced the Community Mining Scheme (CMS).
This is an initiative by the Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission.
The CMS, which is being implemented by the Minerals Commission, is a small-scale mining operation in line with Sections 81 – 99 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) which seeks to promote local participation in the small-scale mining sector.
Unlike the galamsey, where miners engaged in speculative mining with it resulting in environmental devastations, CMS would utilise land that had been designated for mines in accordance with Section 89 of Act 703.
In the lead-up to the 7 December election, Akufo-Addo maintained his stance against illegal mining, saying he will not support the practice.
“In the days of our forefathers, they engaged in mining but they did it in a sustainable way which did not disturb the land or water bodies. I will not support illegal mining which will destroy the environment. My decision remains the same, where I am on this fight remains unchanged.”
The NDC flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, prior to the elections also intimated that, as part of measures to curb Galamsey, the Gold Board will be created to be in charge of all small-scale mining activities in the country and will ensure the right mining practices are adhered to.
He also disclosed that, the Board will supply loans to miners who needed them to enhance their businesses.
