President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has asked people who see the destruction of seized mining equipment as wrong, to go to court and challenge it.
Speaking during the sod-cutting ceremony to commence the Law Village Project, the President intimated that the destruction of the equipment is not against the law in anyway.
“I know there are some who believe that the ongoing exercise of ridding our water bodies;and forest zones of harmful equipment and machinery is unlawful and, in some cases, harsh.
“I strongly disagree, and I would advise those who take a contrary view;to go to court to vindicate their position if they so wish. That is what the rule of law is all about.”
President Akufo-Addo
The President also indicated that persons who convey equipment onto any piece of land to engage in mining activities commit a crime against the law.
“Any person who, without a valid license, conveys any equipment onto a piece of land purportedly to conduct activities for the search, reconnaissance, prospecting, exploring, or mining for a mineral, commits grievous crimes against the law.”
President Akufo-Addo
Mining unlawfully with license still wrong
He further averred that a person in possession of a valid license but undertakes mining in waterbodies or mines unlawfully in protected forest zones also commits a crime.
“Apart from the criminal violations of Act 703, the activities of such persons desecrate our environment, pollute our water bodies, and endanger the lives of present and future generations of Ghanaians. They are monumental crimes which should not be condoned in any shape or form.
“The presence of changfans in water bodies is illegal, as is the unlawful use of excavators in protected forest zones. The devastation caused by these equipment is nothing short of evil,;and we should not compromise in our efforts to protect our environment, forest reserves, and water bodies.”
President Akufo-Addo
Moreover, he commended the members of the armed forces;who are at the forefront of the operation to bring illegal mining to an end. He further said no rights can accrue to or flow from the criminal venture of ‘galamsey’.
“The equipment which is being used for an illegal or criminal purpose,;cannot confer on the owner or any other person any rights whatsoever.”
President Akufo-Addo
President committed to fighting galamsey
The President, Nana Akufo-Addo also reiterated his commitment in ensuring his government fights illegal mining;to the last bit as he indicated after he was sworn into office. He then called on all citizens and stakeholders to support the fight against illegal mining.
“I swore an oath, on 7th January, to be faithful and true to the Republic of Ghana,;and that is exactly what I am doing in the fight against galamsey.
“I appeal to all Ghanaians, including the opposition who are so doing,;to rally behind government in its efforts to stamp out far-reaching illegality and criminality,;rather than advocate for the protection of non-existing rights of persons caught in this evil activity.”
Akufo-Addo
