Minister for Environment, Science and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng, has likened the lifting of the ban on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey to the second coming of the savior of the world, Jesus Christ.
According to the Minister, just as nobody knows when the second coming of the savior will happen, so does no one know when the ban on galamsey in the country will be revoked.
“I don’t know when the ban on galamsey will be lifted, it is just like the coming of Jesus Christ, nobody knows when He will appear…,” he said.
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According to the Professor whose ministry has teamed up with the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry to fight illegal mining in the country, the lifting of the ban remains unknown because the ‘fight has not been easy’.
“The fight against galamsey has not been easy, it will take a long time to succeed…almost all the major river in the country are destroyed, Birim, Prah, White, Black Volta all destroyed….,” he said.
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Prof Kwabena Frimpong Boateng further stated the fight needs to be intensified because as many much as 23,000 square kilometres representing 10% of Ghana’s surface area have been destroyed by illegal miners.
“At least 23,000 square kilometres representing 10% of our surface area have been destroyed…we need more than $ 650 billion to reclaim lands….,” he stated.
The Environment, Science and Innovation minister added that the reclamation of the land will take 16 years.
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Solution
The Government of Ghana as part of the efforts to ending illegal mining will be setting up committees against illegal mining at the district levels to regulate mining.
“The Government is forming district committees against illegal mining which will be headed by the various District Chief Executives (DCEs), heads of Forestry Commissions, representatives of Chiefs and other stakeholders in the district. The committee will regulate small scale mining in the districts…,” he said.
The Minister further called for support in dealing with the menace.
“It is indeed true that the fight is difficult but that does not mean we can’t do it, we need the help of all to succeed, he said…,” he said.
Listen to the minister
Source: Ghana / Adomonline.com / KWAKU NTI
Hot AUDIO: Ban on Galamsey reversal as unknown as Jesus Christ's return
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