The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, has stated that the fight against illegal mining is characterised by the two results-oriented models – sector transformation and rule enforcement
He noted that enforcement activities include the deployment of the Operation Halt taskforce, the decommissioning of excavators and the detention of convicted illegal miners, adding that, the reformation pillar focuses on the establishment and implementation of measures to ensure the socioeconomic empowerment of illegal miners who were driven out of their concessions by enforcement operations.
The Minister made this statement during a media engagement against illegal mining in Accra.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating the galamsey canker and asked for the support of the media as the government ramped up its efforts to eradicate it.
Highlighting the features of the renewed fight, which he is certain will guarantee success for the country, Mr Jinapor mentioned inter-agency collaborations as a key component
He noted that the Ministry has engaged with regional Ministers and would hold talks with National Security, the Ghana Armed Forces and allied institutions on strict enforcement of the laws against illegal mining.
He disclosed that the Minerals Commission has been tasked to double up and expedite efforts towards the certification of the Community Mining Scheme, which is a more sustainable mineral exploitation model endorsed by the World Bank.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei & Tracy Fosua Okutu, ISD
