The deputy Minister for Information , Hon. Fatimatu Abubakar has said government is fighting against illegal mining activities popularly known as galamsey, and not small scale mining as speculated by some people.
Speaking on Movement In The Morning Show with Kwaku Dawuro, Hon Abubakar stated that fighting against galamsey is crucial in protecting forest reserves and water bodies.
Speaking she said that ‘’mining contributes to our economic growth but if we are to measure its impact on human lives and environment, we will realize the fight has become keen. Indiscriminate mining destroys water treatment plants because before water from the natural source is treated, it will depend on it turbidity level to prevent the destruction of water plants”.
In furtherance she added that ”we need to put the discussion in context. Some people are politicking the fight against galamsey. They are going about saying government is fighting against small scale mining- that is a misrepresentation of President Akufo-Addo’s vision. He is against illegal small scale mining which is often termed as galamsey. Minerals Commission gives regulations and concessions before anyone can indulge in small scale mining. The regulation is important because it informs government of your mining site so they come for you if you refuse reclamation because it takes 50-100 years to restore the land”.
Hon Abubakar added Ghanaians may not get to understand the repercussions of galamsy on the socio-ecocomic growth of the country.