The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker has replied to critics of the community mining program introduced by the government linking it to galamsey in disguise.
Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin a few months ago strongly criticized the community mining program stating that it is illegal mining in disguise due to similar destruction of the environment being caused.
However, the Deputy Minister in charge of Mines says Community Mining Scheme is distinct from the much-abhorred illegal small-scale mining known widely as galamsey.
According to him, whereas illegal mining is typified by reckless and wanton dissipation of Ghana’s rich mineral resources, Community Mining is a well-regulated mining initiative that poses little or no harm to the environment.
Throwing more light on the unique nature of the two, Hon. George Mireku Duker observed that, unlike small-scale mining which is dominated by foreigners acting in collusion with some unpatriotic Ghanaians, a community scheme is the preserve of the communities where the resources are mined.
“This new type of mining is safe. Community mining is a licensed form of mining with the government providing technical officers to ensure that the mining is being done by the law,”, he said.
“Minerals Commission has issued all the documents needed for mining so no security personnel will harass you. Minerals Commission will continue to monitor and ensure compliance”, he added.
The Deputy Minister commented on the inauguration of the Community Mining Scheme at Jakubo in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region.
Hon. Mireku Duker explained that community mining forms part of the government’s efforts to purge the mining sector of activities that degrades the environment.
He disclosed that government hopes to create 7000 direct jobs for youth in the area.
He urged the people to obey the regulations put in place by the government and to compel the state to revoke their mining license.
The Member of Parliament for Amansie Central, Hon. Emmanuel Akwasi Gyamfi paid glowing tributes to the Lands and Natural Resources Minister for making his constituency one of the beneficiaries of the scheme.
He lamented negative extractive practices that have over the years destroyed the country’s vegetative cover.
He urged the community members to contribute their quota to the success of the initiative and warned against breaking the laws.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
