The Ashanti Regional Secretary of the New Patriotic Party, Sam Pyne has suggested that excavators should be seized rather than burning them.
He indicated that gathering them and identifying the owners will be of great help. He also explained that it wouldn’t augur well for every excavator to be burned because there may be some that are used by persons or entities with authorization or permit to engage in small-scale mining.
“If we burn the excavators, maybe the person might have their license but there might be issues and it wouldn’t be fair. Left to me alone I will suggest we bring all together and after analyzing everything, those mining rightfully will have theirs returned to them and the rest will be properly used by the government.
“With the excavators, I believe they should mark them well. There should be proper identification.”
Sam Pyne
The Regional Secretary suggested this in relation to the recent burning of excavators found on the mining sites,;as part of the measures to fight illegal mining.
Mr. Pyne pleaded with the soldiers deployed to mining sites and mining authorities to desist from the act although it has been proffered as the best act to deter people from venturing into illegal mining in Ghana.
He also called for the punitive measures to be carried out separately rather than being generalized. This, he explained it’s because different activities come to play with regards to mining.
“We have those involved in reconnaissance and if they are not doing it the right way,;Minerals Commission has to deal with them. For small-scale miners without permit or those going beyond their boundaries, they should also be dealt with differently.”
Sam Pyne
GNASSM not in support of excavator burning
Meanwhile, the Small-Scale Miners Association has also kicked against the burning of excavators seized from illegal miners.
The General Secretary of the Small-Scale Miners Association, Godwin Armah said the proposal is unlawful. He then requested for laws to be put in place if such acts will have to be carried out.
“Concerning the burning of excavators, if you look at the amendments that were made to the Minerals and Mining Act, it shows very clearly how when someone engages in illegal mining, the state goes through the law court to find a way of disposing off the excavators involved in the act of illegal mining. So, if we want to burn them or the same state that has put the laws in place to ensure that there is rule of law, turns around to say excavators should be burnt because we are having an issue with illegal mining, then what is the use of these laws?”
Godwin Armah
He further requested authorities to follow due process;and ensure that those who are doing the wrong thing will be dealt with. This, he said, should be in accordance with the laws that the nation has set.
Mr. Armah said GNASSM as an association, will not endorse such acts of burning anything. He then described the act as awful.
