Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has announced that the government will soon unveil major interventions to combat illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
In an interview on Citi FM’s Citi Breakfast Show, Jinapor revealed that the government’s meeting with Organised Labour regarding their planned October 10 strike was productive, and that measures to address the issue will begin with the repeal of LI 2462, which currently allows mining in forest reserves.
According to Jinapor, consensus was reached to repeal LI 2462 when Parliament resumes, ensuring swift trials for offenders.
Additionally, river guards and the navy will patrol river bodies, and other interventions will be implemented in the coming days.
Jinapor emphasized that agriculture, not mining, is the primary driver of deforestation, but the government remains committed to fighting galamsey.
He noted that mining is banned on river bodies and within 100 meters of water bodies, with plans to increase this distance to 200 meters. Small-scale mining is also prohibited in forest areas.
Source: OccupyGh.com
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