Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor says, he welcome suggestions in dealing with illegal mining (Galamsey) in Ghana.
He has however sounded caution not to confuse the galamsey with small scale mining as the two are different.
Speaking in an interview with Samson Lardy Anyenini on Newsfile on Saturday September 17,2022, he reiterated that government has done a lot in making galamsey a thing of the past.
Stating the government position, Mr. Abu Jinapor reiterated his resolve to see the end of galamsey.
He said the government remain committed to the fight and therefore welcomes the various input Ghanaians are making.
“The numerous commentaries which I have followed about this aged-old menace of illegal small scale mining are all absolutely welcome. I think I need to make that point a little forcefully. They’re all absolutely welcome and the contribution and suggestions various people have made individually and collectively are all absolutely welcome”, he stressed.
He added: “A good deal of work has gone into this matter of small scale mining; and we have been dealing with this matter from a two-pronged approach. From a reformative approach and law enforcement approach. They must go hand in hand”.
He was of the view that, even though galamsey has crept into small scale mining, the two should not be clumped together.
According to him, small scale mining constitutes 40% of the country’s local gold produce.
“[Let’s] always remember that small scale mining contributes 40% of Ghana’s gold output. And the gold industry gives Ghana its highest foreign exchange earnings, and it’s the highest revenue mobilising sector when it comes to export”.
“So there’s a link between small scale mining, gold output, our national economy, our currency, our foreign exchange status and all of that, so when you’re dealing with small scale mining, you have to deal with it tactfully”, he cautioned.
His comments come on the back of media reports on galamsey roaring it head and the re-arresting of Aisha Huang.
Source: theGhanaianvoice.com
