Minister calls for more stakeholders’ involvement in tackling galamsey menace

Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has called for a holistic approach in tackling the issue of “galamsey” or illegal small-scale mining in the country.

This, he said, should involve more stakeholders like Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies, chiefs and community leaders.

Alhaji Inusah made the call when he visited the offices of the Minerals Commission in Accra on Monday.

The visit, which formed part of his familiarisation tour of agencies within the Ministry, was to discuss with management pertinent issues confronting the mining industry, especially galamsey.

According to the Minister, the activities of galamsey operators posed a serious challenge to the Ministry’s determination to provide sustainable development through mining.

“If we have to engage in a crusade, it should be on galamsey, their activities have direct consequences on our water bodies.” he said.

Alhaji Inusah tasked the management of the Commission to employ the constitutional mandate conferred on them to investigate those who were alleged be behind the illegal activities, and called for the need to review the laws on mining.

Mr Benjamin Aryee, Chief Executive Officer of the Commission indicated the need to be abreast with happenings in the mining sector around the world to come up with best policies to address new challenges to enhance their operations.

Mr Aryee said inadequate number of personnel had always undermined the operations of the Commission in dealing with the illegal miners, stating management’s commitment to fulfill its mandate.

Source: GNA