The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has hinted of plans to engage traditional leaders in the coming days to address the issue of illegal mining.
He made the remarks in an interaction with journalists after meeting with staff of the Ministry on his first day in office.
He stated that President John Dramani Mahama remains committed to protecting Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies.
This he said will be done by ensuring a regulated and sustainable mining sector.
He said there was the need to collaborate with traditional leaders in dealing the menace commonly known as galamsey.
“How do we make sure that illegal mining or galamsey is completely fashioned out and that we create a pathway for anybody who wants to engage in mining to do it legally and environmentally friendly way and make sure that we also protect our water bodies? You will see that shortly I will be visiting critical traditional authorities, engaging them, and soliciting advice and support as we go forward from here.”
The Minister further announced that there would be a monthly media briefing on how this administration was dealing with galamsey.
“We will need your [the media] support to commend people who are doing the right thing. We will need your [the media] support to expose people who are destroying our water bodies. And you have our complete support.
“I intend to engage you [the media] on a monthly basis to update you on the progress we are making. And you are going to be part of this.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
