'Stop Galamsey Now' campaign launched

A Multilateral Mining Integrated Project, MMIP aimed at promoting sustainable mineral extraction has been launched at Mpreaso-Kwahu in the Eastern Region.

The five-year project will employ law enforcement and technology in the 'Stop Galamsey campaign'. 

Launching the project, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, John Peter Amewu, said government is not against small scale mining but  the illegal activities that are polluting the environment, specifically water bodies. 

The past three weeks has seen a massive campaign against illegal mining popularly called galamsey.

In the course of the three weeks, an ultimatum was issued for the illegal miners to remove their equipment from site. 

Following that, the media have also waged war against this illegality by playing an advocacy role and urging government to act.  

According to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, John Peter Amewu, about two hundred mining equipment have been moved from sites.

He said activities of illegal miners will continue to  be monitored to ensure compliance.

At the launch of the MMIP, Mr Amewu said drones will be used to monitor illegal mining activities. 

Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission, Dr. Tony Aubynn said the fight against galamsey is not by the President neither is it by the Minister, but ,the law abhors illegal mining. 

He said those who want to do legitimate mining should visit the district offices for assistance.

The launch of the MMIP was preceded by a float through the principal streets of Mpreaso with placards bearing inscriptions such as ''Stop illegal mining'', ''value life not goods'', and ''preserve our water bodies''.

GBC