By Godwill Arthur-Mensah
Accra, Aug.14, GNA-Mr Martin Ayisi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Minerals Commission, Sunday urged the public to volunteer information on politicians and businessmen and women allegedly funding illegal small-scale mining, otherwise known as “galamsey” in the country.
That, he said, would enable the National Intelligence Bureau and other security agencies to track and prosecute them.
Addressing the media in Accra to respond to a video circulating on social media over illegal small-scale mining on Offin River, Mr Ayisi said the security agencies had taken over the matter and begun investigation into it.
He said fighting illegal mining required a concerted efforts by all Ghanaians by volunteering vital information to the Commission and the security taskforce deployed on the various water bodies for swift action.
The Minerals Commission CEO said efforts to permanently deal with illegal small-scale mining necessitated the deployment of five patrol boats on Pra, Ankobrah, Tano, Offin, Brim and Black Volta and that the security taskforce would patrol the various rivers and their tributaries 24/7.
“We’ll not give up on the fight against illegal mining. The menace of galamsey affects everybody and I hope you’re aware that the Ghana Water Company’s cost for treating water from River Pra, Ankobra and Co, have increased because of the activities of illegal miners in our waterbodies,” Mr. Ayisi said.
The Minerals Commission CEO outlined various government’s interventions instituted to promote responsible and sustainable mining practices including the introduction of mercury-free machines (gold katcha) to 100 small-scale miners, Community Mining Scheme for the indigenes, setting up of control room at the Commission’s Operational Centre to enable drones to monitor the waterbodies and fixing of tracking devices on earth-moving machines as well as undertaking geological investigation into mining blocks and deployment of speed boats on major rivers across the country.
“The patrol boats will not only focus on the main waterbodies but also on the tributaries and the small streams for swift and ruthless action to deal with illegal mining.
“Our resolve is resolute and total, and we will not for any reason give up this fight,” Mr. Ayisi assured.
He stated that intelligence gathering on activities of illegal mining had also been intensified on all fronts to ensure success to clampdown on the galamsey menace.
Mr Ayisi said the tracking control room for drones would be functional in the first week of September.
He was of the conviction that it would go a long way to halt the illegal mining conundrum.
The CEO of the Minerals Commission assured the public of its unflinching commitment to end galamsey and sanitise the small-scale mining sector in due course.
GNA