Small-scale mining ban to exceed six months if… – Amewu
The ban on small-scale mining may extend beyond the stipulated six months. The Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Peter Amewu, has stressed that the ban will not be lifted unless the objectives for the imposition are met within the six months.
The government imposed the six-month ban on small-scale mining as part of efforts to end illegal mining and its degrading effects on the environment.
“The fight against illicit mining is ongoing and till these six months, if we are unable to clear the system and rid out all the illegal people who are doing the mining, we will not be prepared to engage and bring you back to the mining site,” the minister stated.
The government has also warned the small scale miners that any attempt to breach the six-month freeze on all forms of small-scale mining will be considered a violation of the laws of the country and will be met with action from security forces, who will be deployed to enforce the ban.
The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners has expressed its displeasure with the ban and its Ashanti Region chapter plans to demonstrate against it.
Source: citifmonline
