Cabinet to discuss fate of small scale mining – President Akufo-Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says a cabinet meeting will be held to discuss when the ban on small scale mining would be lifted.

He said measures needs to be intensified before the ban on small scale mining could be lifted.

“I am saying this because some outcomes of the “galamsey” menace in the country had not addressed,” the President stated in Accra on Wednesday.

Addressing the media at the Flagstaff House, the President said, it was time stakeholders noted that “galamsey” was one fight the government could not withdraw from.

Shortly after winning the 2016 general election, the President placed a six-month ban on small-scale mining, as part of efforts to end illegal mining and its degrading effects on the environment.

However, government extended the moratorium on small scale mining for three more months, until 2018 January, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, John Peter Amewu announced in November last year.

Mr Amewu also disclosed at the time of the announcement that about four per cent of Ghana’s total land surface had been degraded due to illegal mining and its related activities.

This is the second time the President has met the press since he ascended the Presidency on January 7, 2017.

The first press conference was held in July 2017.

Source: GNA