By Felix Cofie
Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has noted that the return of the Ankobra River and other waterbodies to their pure status is a reflection of government’s commitment to the fight against illegal mining.
According to him, the progress made in the turbidity level of the waterbodies is indicative of the fact that the anti-galamsey fight is yielding results.
Speaking after a tour of the Ankobra River, which is fast regaining its authenticity, Mr Mireku Duker commended the various stakeholders for their respective roles in the fight against illegal mining.
While commending the various agencies and Ghanaians for their efforts, Hon. Mireku Duker maintained that government will not take its foot off the pedal and will press on with the measures that have resulted in the gains made so far.
He noted that the training of river wardens to complement the Operation Halt II taskforce is another laudable initiative by government that has contributed significantly to the liberation of waterbodies from galamsey operations.
He urged all individuals, especially Chiefs, MMDCEs and the general public, to join forces with government in its bid to protect the waterbodies.
He reiterated government’s commitment to the ban on small-scale mining and expressed that government, through the Community Mining Scheme and other innovations, will transform the small-scale mining sector.
“We should take full responsibility of protecting Ghana’s river bodies. We have roles to play including MMDCEs and we must all commit to protecting our waterbodies.
There are suggestions for government to close down small-scale mining activities but we are aware of the number of job opportunities created in the small-scale mining sector.”
The DCE for Ellembelle District, Kwasi Bonzo said the people of Ellembelle will not sit down aloof and watch others destroy their livelihoods.
DCE for Nzema East, Dorcas Amoah commended the government for the Community Mining scheme in the area, revealing that many lives have been impacted positively by the innovative mining scheme.
