The Media Relations Officer at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, has hinted at a possible repeal of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462 as part of government’s renewed fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
He disclosed that a “crunch Cabinet meeting” had been held on the controversial instrument, which many critics have called to be completely abolished.
Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, August 16, he stated:
“I could say authoritatively now here is that there’s a renewed conversation on LI 2462, and in the not-too-distant future there would be an appropriate communication in that particular respect where the repeal is concerned. That conversation has been had. Indeed, there was a crunch Cabinet meeting that exhausted that possibility, and so the final outcome will be communicated very soon.”
His comments come amidst mounting pressure on government to take stronger action against illegal mining, following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed eight lives near Obuasi on August 6.
The casualties, which included two Cabinet ministers, have since been given state burials, plunging the nation into grief.
The incident has intensified calls for government to deal decisively with what many experts describe as “environmental terrorism.” Critics have also faulted the President for failing to declare an immediate state of emergency.
Meanwhile, Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has emphasized that government will now embark on a ruthless nationwide fight against illegal mining. He stressed that President Mahama will personally lead what he described as a relentless and unprecedented campaign to eradicate the menace.
Source: Myjoyonline
