ONLY VALIDATED LEGAL MINERS CAN RESUME TODAY
The fight against illegal mining popularly known as galamsey remains in full force even as government rolls out a comprehensive policy framework for mining which kicks off on Monday 17th December 2018.
Last Friday, The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) announced the next phase of the fight against illegal and irresponsible mining which was commissioned under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo in March 2017. The focus was to sanitise, regularise and reform the small-scale mining sector. It is a comprehensive framework which continues to demonstrate the unprecedented levels of Political will, demonstrated by any administration in fighting this national canker.
The new framework allows the about 900 validated miners to resume work from Monday under a strict supervision and monitoring regime. This is to ensure that even for them resort is not made to irresponsible or even illegal mining methods. Mining by these validated concessionaires is to conform to the boundaries and methods as approved.
A first set of former Galamsey operators numbering about 3000 will also now be grouped under the community mining program and given proper concessions also to mine under similar regulations. All other former Galamseyers who desire to mine again will have to apply, be trained and allocated a proper concession to mine within in accordance with the Policy framework.
The list of compliant miners will be published in the electronic and print media this week of 17th-23rd December, 2018. This information will also be available on the notice boards of the municipal and district assemblies.
Having provided enough avenues for legal and responsible mining permit me to quote the Chairman of the IMCIM Prof. Kwabena Frimpong Boateng who expressed what Government does not expect moving forward;
“There should, therefore, be no logical reason why any person in Ghana should engage in illegal mining”.
Any person caught in illegal and irresponsible mining will be dealt with in accordance with law. Illegal small scale mining (galamsey) remains illegal. And will not be countenanced. Persons who want to mine are entreated to follow the new protocols and avoid a conflict with the law.
Government will continue to work with all stakeholders and urges citizens to support with the continued war against galamsey or illegal mining. We also urge our colleagues in the media to take time to explain the details and nuances in the new policy framework to the good people of Ghana in order to avoid any confusion and infractions.
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