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Mrs Juana Gyan Cudjoe, the Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central, in collaboration with Mr Peter Amponsah, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, has organised a meeting with stakeholders on measures to combat illegal mining activities (galamsey) in the district.
It was to discuss the current state of mining and related activities in the district and take appropriate steps to fight galamsey and related activities within the area.
The meeting was attended by small-scale miners, gold buyers, excavator operators, chanfang operators, dig and wash, and shooting operators
Mr Amponsah, in his welcoming address said it was fitting that they engaged in meaningful dialogue and orientation on how everyone in the mining value chain could play their roles in clamping down on this national concern.
Mr Mustapha Gbangde, the Deputy Operations Director at the Presidency, said the government had laid down stringent measures in the fight against illegal mining, which was causing environmental degradation.
He highlighted some of the significant damages caused by illegal mining activities across the country, labelling it as a severe threat to the environment and water bodies.
He said: “The government cannot fight this alone and, therefore, recognise the role of other stakeholders, especially the traditional rulers, religious groups, youth group, pressure groups and others.”
Mr Joseph Yamin, the NDC National Organiser, said the government was taking a review to strengthen the existing mining laws and regulations to address the deficiencies that caused illegal mining.
He said the government was making sure that every miner passed through the necessary training, acquired a legal licence to enhance proper monitoring, while serving stricter penalties to offenders.
Mrs Juana Gyan Cudjoe, the Member of Parliament for Amenfi, assured her people that: “The government is going to conduct an extensive awareness campaign to educate community members about the environmental and socio – economic impact of illegal mining.”
The MP said the government and herself had established an office to report all issues related to illegal mining in the district for action. She finally thanked and assured her constituents for having trust in her and promised to do her part to develop the district.
Source: GNA
