Former Central Regional Minister, Kwamena Duncan, has urged the Defence Minister and Lands Minister to concentrate on their mission to reclaim the country’s water bodies and forest reserves.
Speaking on the fight against illegal mining, he encouraged the two ministers to continue with the fight; and urged them not to be intimidated by any person or party.
“My prayer is that Abu Jinapor and Minister of Defence, Nitiwul, would not be intimidated. They should not be intimidated at all.”
Kwamena Duncan
Touching on the current state of the water bodies destroyed by galamsey activities,;he called for efforts to help bring the water back to its old state.
“At the critical point we have reached,;if we don’t use the means to get the water back to its state,;I am afraid.
“I am saying they should stay on course. Even if in the next one year we are able to stay on course;and get the waters back to its original state, I will say the end will justify the means.”
Kwamena Duncan
At the moment, the two Ministers have pledged commitment to end the galamsey menace;and have sanctioned a joint Military team of the Ghana Armed Forces,; Ghana Navy and the Ghana Air Force to root out all illegal miners.
As part of the Military operations, excavators and other equipment belonging to the illegal miners;are set on fire to stop them from operating as well as deter other prospective illegal miners.
Progress of ‘Operation Halt’
In an update by the Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul;disclosed that progress is being made with regards to the efforts to clean the various polluted water bodies.
He further indicated that;the third phase of the operations has seen the seizure of more equipment than the previous operations. He also warned perpetrators to desist from their activities;and reiterated his commitment to help end the menace of illegal mining in the country. Also
Mining industry to be reformed
Moreover, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources,;Samuel Jinapor has disclosed his Ministry will soon table proposals before Cabinet to reform the country’s mining industry. Also
The sector Minister further noted the reforms will focus on;amending the laws regarding the licensing, issuance of permits, sanctioning and enforcement of regimes in the mining sector.
“In a matter of weeks,;we will go before the Cabinet with a set of proposals for amendment and reforms in the mining industry to make the laws more punitive, with the ultimate objective of sanitizing the sector.”
Samuel Jinapor
Mr Jinapor also revealed he had already begun engagement with industry players to enable them make inputs towards the reforms, adding that, government’s goal is to ensure transparency and integrity in the sector.
He said government was battle ready and prepared to rid the country’s water bodies and forest reserves of persons and logistics involved in illegal mining.
He further revealed there had been lots of criticisms and resistance from certain quarters over the military operations on water bodies and forest reserves. However, he disclosed the move is government’s decision to protect the people from destruction.
