Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor joined the chiefs and people of Ahanta Traditional Area, to commission a Weighbridge at Apemenyim in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.
Over the years, weak enforcement of bulk haulage activities has resulted in huge revenue losses to the State and rapid deterioration of roads due to overloading.
The Weighbridge, as well as those constructed on the mining sites of Ghana Manganese Company in Nsuta, and Ghana Bauxite Company in Awaso, will help us track and monitor the exact volumes of manganese and bauxite transported from the mines to the Port.
According to the minister, it will ensure that haulage vehicles carry the right quantities, and the State and mining communities get their just due from the minerals exported.
Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor again joined the Chiefs and people of Beposo to commission five (5) speed boats as part of our efforts to find a lasting solution to the pollution of our water bodies from illegal mining activities.
The six-point-five metre (6.5m) Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIB) will be deployed on Rivers Ankobrah, Prah, Birim and the Black Volta, and will operate day and night, to rid these water bodies of any form of mining.
Illegal mining activities on water bodies threaten the lives and livelihood of the millions of people who depend on these water bodies, and the nation at large.
This is why water bodies remain Red Zones for mining, and we will not relent on our efforts to protect these water bodies.
The Government of President Akufo-Addo remains committed to building a viable, orderly, sustainable and environmentally-sound small scale mining industry which is anchored on integrity, and which contributes meaningfully to the national economy, as well as efficient management and utilisation of our mineral resources for the benefit of the Ghanaian people.
Source: Mybrytnewsroom.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
