The Board Members of the Minerals Commission organized a day’s forum for small-scale miners and the youth in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality at the Recreational center (Tennis court).
The forum forms part of efforts to conscientise miners in all the mining Districts across the country on Responsible mining practices.
Hon. Barbara Oteng Gyasi, the Board Chairperson of the Minerals Commission on her part stated that “Prestea is a community noted for mining activities for over a hundred years now and therefore the government or no one has any intention of stopping them from mining but their concern as leaders is how the reserved Forest and Water Bodies are getting damaged by illegal operations”.
“The Mineral Commission is trying all efforts to make sure people will go by the proper measures put in place by the central government for proper mining activities”, she added.
She said in other to create jobs for the youth to help reduce pressure on mining activities, alternative livelihood programs are underway to recruit the youth into Seedlings planting, Reforestation and Reclamation exercises in the various districts.
She hinted that plans are far advanced in establishing offices in some of the Districts, most importantly Prestea and also recruit some of the youth to make the work of the commission a successful one.
Hon. Barbara stated that since we are in the digital era, she will urge everyone to assess the internet to apply for a license or go through the right channel to help acquire a license for legal operation, “let’s all join hands to protect our natural resources”, she stated.
Hon. Isaac Dasmani (Ph.D.), the Municipal Chief Executive of Prestea Huni- Valley Municipal in his welcome address noted that the central government has no intention of destroying the mining business as it is been speculating in the media space but rather putting in lucrative measures to prevent illegal activities that can destroy our forest and water bodies.
He also advised the miners to abide by rules and regulations concerning the mining Act in order to help preserve our natural resources.
The Himan- Prestea Divisional Chief, Nana Nteboah Prah IV on his part, commended the commission for such an initiative and also took the opportunity to to engage the miners in every Community in the Municipality through the information van.
He also assured their readiness as chiefs to help the central government in the fight against illegal mining as to prevent the destroying of the reserved Forest and Water Bodies.
He added that the Mining policy should be a national policy and not a political party agenda to pave way for continuation in case of a change of government. “Am telling the president that if he is ready to prevent illegal mining and protect our forest and water bodies, then the traditional authorities should be given the powers to sanction illegal galamsey operators in our communities”.
He stressed “I think that is the best way to go”. Finally, he pleaded with the Commission to relocate their head office to WASSA in the Western Region since Accra is too far from the mining communities to make their work effortless and stress-free.
Mr. Eric Bukari, a Board Member of the Minerals Commission did a PowerPoint presentation to educate the Stakeholders on mining activities and opened the floor for questions from the stakeholders for appropriate responses and answers by the Commission.
In attendance were some board members of the Commission, Chiefs and elders from Prestea and its environs, the leadership of Small Scale Miners, the media, and various stakeholders.
Source: Mybrytnewsroom.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
