President Nana Akufo-Addo has stated that government is “not fighting to put people out of work by seeking to end galamsey”.
However, government is aiming to create a “sustainable small-scale mining regime” which will rather help “protect our environment and protect the workers as well”.
Mr Akufo emphasised in his speech on May 1, in commemoration of May Day in Accra: “Since the Almighty blessed us with precious minerals, there will be mining in our country,” but was quick to add: “This present generation does not own the earth; we hold the lands in trust for generations yet unborn and we cannot destroy it.”
Government has embarked on a joint action with security in various regions to ensure that the galamsey menace is curbed due to the destruction to the environment.
“I have not yet met anyone who is engaged in galamsey who is satisfied with the degradation of our lands and our environment that currently comes with galamsey,” the president added.
Mr Akufo-Addo also praised the media for their role in the galamsey fight.
As part of the fight against galamsey, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, John Peter Amewu has revealed that about 400 earth-moving equipment have been voluntarily withdrawn from various illegal small-scale mining sites across the country.
More efforts are being made in collaboration with all stakeholders to end the practice.
Source: Ghana/AccraFM.com
