The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has dismissed calls by former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, for a moratorium on all forms of mining in Ghana, citing environmental degradation and pollution of water bodies caused by illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
The Ministry, while acknowledging her concerns, argues that halting all mining operations could have severe economic implications.
Speaking to Citi News on Thursday, November 6, Media Relations Officer for the Ministry, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the environment while ensuring responsible mining practices.
“Her suggestion is coming from a good place, given the fact that she is equally concerned about the devastation of the environment, except that you cannot place a hold on all mining activities as of now. Because mining, as we all know, is a very lucrative economic enterprise that continues to drive our economic advancement.
“The laws that we have now permit mining except that they do not endorse illegal mining, so what we are fighting is not the whole enterprise of mining, but illegal mining activities, and the government will stay on that course,” he stated.
Source: citinewsroom.com By Fauzu Massawudu
