The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining (galamsey) and its devastating effects on the environment.
In line with this, the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council, in collaboration with the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Anti-Galamsey Taskforce, and other stakeholders, held seperate engagements with large- and small-scale miners in Koforidua and Kade.
The meeting aimed to educate miners on the dangers of illegal mining, mining-related deaths, and responsible mining practices.
Key issues discussed included regulatory frameworks and legal compliance, Health and safety measures
Environmental sustainability,Social responsibility and Practical ways of engaging in responsible mining.
During the meeting, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey issued a stern warning to all mining companies, including those with legal concessions, stating that any mining company found polluting rivers or failing to reclaim mined lands will be classified as engaging in illegal mining and face strict enforcement actions.
“We have formed a taskforce in the region to enforce mining regulations. Even companies with concessions that pollute rivers and fail to reclaim lands will be treated as illegal miners and will face the law,” she cautioned.
The Minister stated that President John Mahama and the ruling NDC party fully support efforts to protect river bodies and forest reserves. She revealed that the government has set a deadline to rid river bodies of illegal mining activities.
This announcement comes ahead of an intended major crackdown on illegal mining by the newly formed Regional Security Taskforce.
Meanwhile, small-scale miners in the Eastern Region are calling on the government to introduce advanced mining technology to help reduce water pollution caused by the trommel gold-washing method.
They argue that the current system makes it difficult to prevent contamination of river bodies.
“The problem we have is water pollution, mainly due to the trommel washing system. We need the government, EPA, and Minerals Commission to introduce a better technology for alluvial mining. Otherwise, the problem will persist,” one miner stated.
Some miners have also called for the Small-Scale Miners Taskforce to be included in the crackdown to ensure a fair and collaborative approach.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
