The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has revealed that the government will soon introduce significant measures to intensify its fight against illegal mining, known as galamsey.
In an interview with Citi FM on Tuesday, Mr. Jinapor described the government’s recent meeting with Organised Labour, ahead of its planned October 10 strike, as “productive and fruitful.”
He noted that, the government is preparing to repeal LI 2462, a legislative instrument that currently permits mining in forest reserves, as part of its efforts to curb illegal mining.
“Consensus was reached that the government will take steps to repeal LI 2462 when Parliament resumes and also ensure the swift prosecution of offenders,” Mr. Jinapor stated.
He added that other interventions, including deploying river guards and the navy to patrol river bodies, will be announced soon.
Mr. Jinapor also clarified that agriculture, not mining, is the leading cause of deforestation, but emphasized that the government remains committed to tackling the galamsey menace.
He stressed that efforts to address illegal mining were not triggered solely by recent pressure from Organised Labour.
“The number one driver of deforestation is agriculture, though mining also contributes. Mining on river bodies is banned, and small-scale mining is not allowed in forest areas. We’re planning to extend the buffer zone around water bodies from 100 meters to 200 meters,” he explained.
Source: Adomonline
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