Former deputy minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Kwabena Mintah Aknadoh has called on the government to stop politicking the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey if it seeks to really help stop the menace.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Juaboso speaking on Adom FM’s Morning, ‘Dwaso Nsem’ on Monday said the government must court support from sections of society to deal with the problem instead of concentrating on political gains that would come out of it.
“Illegal mining is an issue which ought to be handled critically as even some large scale miners are even engaged in illegal acts as well…we should take politics out of it and fight a common cause,” he said.
The government has stepped up its effort in the fight against illegal mining in the country following major concerns against the menace, raised by various Civil Society groups and the media.
The media has been at the forefront of media advocacy and crusade for action against the illegal activity.
The efforts have yielded some positive results including a moratorium on the issuance of new licenses for small-scale mining.
The government has said it is focused on ensuring that the menace is fully addressed the sector properly fragmented to ensure that mining in the country is done in accordance with the law.
These efforts are rooting out the problem, the Legislator said can be attained when the government rallies everyone in communities where galamsey takes place to fight the menace.
“We need chiefs, the community and other opinion leaders in these communities on board to achieve much in this fight…I can tell you that when we get the support of the chiefs, it would be easier…,” he added.
Akandoh further urged the government to tread cautiously so it can separate small scale mining from galamsey.
