The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has revealed that the government is taking drastic and decisive actions to protect the Black Volta from the harmful activities of illegal miners.
After reports of illegal mining in the area, the government conducted an intelligence-gathering operation, involving the Minerals Commission, the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council, and the Ghana Armed Forces, to assess the situation.
As a result of these efforts, the military has conducted operations to halt illegal mining and safeguard the river. Twenty changfans used for illegal mining on the Black Volta have been confiscated and destroyed during these operations.
Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, pledged a committed effort to restore the Black Volta to its natural and healthy state as soon as possible.
He expressed dismay over the emergence of illegal mining activities, describing them as “scandalous and unfortunate.” The government, along with allied institutions, will take necessary and legal measures to protect the Black Volta and other water bodies from such illegal mining activities.
Collaborating with the Minerals Commission, the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council, and the 6th Battalion of Infantry, the Ministry conducted an intelligence-gathering operation to verify the situation on the ground. Subsequent operations have already resulted in the destruction of 20 changfans, with a comprehensive plan in place to eradicate illegal mining in the river and other parts of the country.
The Lands Minister emphasized that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to eliminate illegal mining activities and ensure that the country’s natural resources are exploited in compliance with national laws and international standards.
He outlined that the government’s approach to combat illegal mining revolves around two main pillars: enforcement and reformation.
Furthermore, the Minister made a strong pledge that the government will persistently pursue these two pillars and will not waver in its determination to establish a sustainable mining sector that promotes responsible and environmentally-friendly mining practices.
SOURCE. 3news
I’m Solomon, the CEO of Voix Of Ghana Media ( VOG MEDIA, and Aristocrat Charity Foundation ( ACF). Aside blogging, I am also a Forester, Philanthropist, a Publicist, and a Promoter.
