A Deputy Director of Communications of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has said government does not deserve any praise in dealing with illegal mining known in local parlance as galamsey.
Kwaku Boahen claimed the ban on galamsey is a “wicked and selective act” just to create an avenue for members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to apply for mining licence.
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The two year ban on small-scale mining has been lifted and a total of 900 small-scale mining entities whose mining licences and concessions have been validated can return to work on Monday December 17, 2018.
They will mine under strict regulations and conform to the guidelines outlined in the new mining policy framework outdoored.
Minister for Environment, Science,Technology and Innovation, Prof Kwabena Frimpong Boateng said they now have a new mining policy developed by an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining to regularise small-scale mining across the country.
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He stressed that, only small-scale miners who have had their mining concessions validated would be allowed to mine in designated areas.
But speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Kwaku Boahen alleged that, majority of the supposed small-scale miners given license are NPP members.
He challenged government to come clean on the activities of some soldiers who have been providing security at illegal mining sites.
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The NDC man indicated that, the supposed members of Operation Vanguard team supposed to provide protection for large-scale miners and licensed small-scale miners are now working for illegal miners of the NPP.
Kwaku Boahen added
In a quick rebuttal, a communications team member of the NPP, Richard Ahiagbah described as false claims by Kwaku Boahen.
He explained that, the goals set by Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining was achieved and will continue to work to ensure the small-scale miners abide by the new standards.
Mr. Ahiagbah applauded government for the cleaning the mining sector which hitherto was destroying the natural resources of Ghana.