The Minister for Lands and Natural Resource, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has charged the Western Regional Security Council (WRSC) to enforce laws regarding small scale mining and its related activities in the region.
In an interaction with the members of the Western Regional Security Council in Sekondi as part of his two-day tour, he noted that the fight was for both the national and the regional security.
“The law enforcement component of ‘galamsey’ continues to be the mandate of the national security and the regional security council.”
Samuel Jinapor
The Minister added that no one is above the law in the matter of small scale mining stressing that, there is no colorization in the fight against ‘galamsey’.
The Minister also called for increased support to curb the menace and commended the Regional minister;for taking a bold step in that direction especially on the recent seizure of 16 excavators in the Region.
In an interaction with the media after the engagement, he disclosed that he is happy with the assurance the Security council has given him with regards to the fight against ‘galamsey’.
“I’m very happy with the assurance that the Regional Security Council has given because they are responsible for the security component of this fight. And they are required to enforce the laws and required to enforce all the regulations. They are determined to do so without fear or favor.”
Samuel Jinapor
President not against mining
Mr Abu Jinapor noted that President Akufo-Addo is not against mining but;rather against the destruction of the environment with the activity.
“He is not against mining. On the contrary, he wants to build a robust and viable sustainable small-scale mining with regards for the environment.”
Samuel Jinapor
Meanwhile, the Omanhene of the Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketiah IV charged the Hon. Minister for Lands and Natural Resources not to relent in his efforts to clamp down on illegal mining and logging in the country.
He maintained that every obstacle against the fight against illegal mining must be removed. He lauded the minister and said his good works in the area will propel him to become future President.
The Omanhene stated this when the Minister and his entourage paid a courtesy call on him at his Palace in Sekondi. The courtesy call on the Omanhene formed part of the Minister’s two-day working visit to the Western Region.
Nana Kobina Nketiah IV also lauded the Minister for bringing onboard members of his political opponent the NDC including Hon. Rashid Pelpuo who is a Ranking member of Parliament select committee.
Lands Minister tours Western Region
The Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, began a two-day working tour;of the Western Region today Monday, April 26, 2021.
The Minister will inspect some projects under the Minerals Development Fund (MDF). He will hold discussions with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) on his second day.
Mr Jinapor would interact with small-scale miners to identify their needs and deliberate on the way forward;as well as meet officials of the Lands and Forestry Commissions.
The Minister was accompanied on the tour by his two Deputy Ministers-Designate,;Mr Benito Owusu Bio and Mr George Mireku Duker and some MPs serving on the Select Committee of Lands and Forestry of Parliament;as well as the Mines and Energy Select Committee, among others.
