The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has stated that she cannot confirm whether politicians and politically exposed persons are making the fight against illegal mining difficult.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, she stated that she has not personally witnessed any such interference and cannot rely on hearsay.
“I can’t admit for now if politicians and politically exposed persons are making the fight against illegal mining difficult. I have not seen it, and I don’t want to base my judgment on what I’ve heard from people. I want to see it, hear it, and believe it,” she said.
Asked whether she would yield to pressure if she received a call to release a political figure involved in illegal mining, she dismissed the possibility.
“I won’t have such a call because President Mahama always advises us against galamsey. I believe none of our party members will indulge in such acts,” she stated.
According to her, she has not come across any case involving illegal mining on her desk.
“I have not seen it, and those things have not come to my table,” she stressed.
The minister added that the party hierarchy is actively involved in the fight against illegal mining, making it difficult for any individual to bypass established protocols.
“We engage the party executives, and they are part of this fight. If someone calls me, I won’t pick up the call or respond,” she asserted.
She also dismissed allegations that illegal miners funded her political campaign and contributed to her rise.
“I don’t know any illegal miner personally. In fact, I am even looking for them to be arrested,” she stated.
Meanwhile, she reiterated that a task force will soon be deployed to enforce mining regulations in the region.
“We will soon strike and make sure those involved are dealt with. The crackdown aims to ensure responsible mining practices and protect the environment from the devastating effects of illegal mining,” she assured.
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