By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has issued a strong notice indicating his outfit’s willingness to go after financiers and key figures behind illegal mining, known as ‘galamsey’ in the Ghanaian parlance.
Addressing participants at a stakeholder forum on the theme “Restoring a Culture of Proper Small-Scale Mining in Ghana,” which brought together all parliamentarians and other stakeholders to finalize a comprehensive strategy for promoting responsible small-scale mining in their constituencies, the Lands and Natural Resources reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining.
“This fight is no longer about the small boys. This fight must get to the roots, the financiers, the big guys, the unseen faces- who do not worry about where that source of money is coming from.
We must find them, name and shame them, and we can only do that when you are part of it. In the past month, since assuming office as the sector minister, I have taken immediate steps to address the immediate challenges.
We are coming out with a systematic, sustained, and well-inclusive approach to solving the menace,” he assured.
Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah further stressed that the government is resolute in its fight against illegal mining, warning that it will not tolerate any interference aimed at securing the release of individuals arrested for engaging in illegal mining activities.
“What is different today is that not the vice president who has appointed me and not the president who has appointed me will call us to release anybody or condone any illegality,” the Lands Minister stressed.
The Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, delivering the keynote address expressed concern over the devastating impact of illegal mining activities on the environment.
According to her deliberations at the conference must translate into actionable steps to combat the menace.
“Our discussions today must move beyond rhetorics to tangible actions that will drive change in our respective constituencies. We must work together to ensure that small-scale mining is not synonymous with destruction but rather an avenue for economic empowerment, job creation, and sustainable development,” she said.
