The Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has revealed that government is taking steps to repeal the Minerals and Mining Act 2003 in a bid to stop individuals from mining in forest reserves.
“We are beginning the process of repealing the Minerals and Mining Act 2003 to bar individuals from mining in forest reserves,” Dr. Murtala Muhammed announced.
Meanwhile, the Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Dr. Ken Ashigbey, has expressed disappointment over what he describes as inconsistencies in government’s fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
“How come the president who said he is going to revoke L.I, is now saying that we should amend, that is a blot,” Dr. Ashigbey stated.
He further criticized the existing law, describing it as ineffective in dealing with the galamsey menace.
“This is a bad law, although its intention was good,” he said. “NDC and NPP illegal miners have now merged to intensify galamsey.”
Dr. Ashigbey also alleged that some members of both the ruling NDC and opposition NPP have teamed up to engage in illegal mining activities across the country.
“Leading members of the ruling NDC administration in some constituencies have been accused of engaging in illegal mining. Indeed, NDC and NPP members have now merged to carry out Galamsey activities in some districts. I expect government to act,” he charged.
He didn’t hold back in calling for action against past and present offenders, urging the newly appointed CID boss to avoid any political interference in their investigations.
“Just to say that the new CID boss should not be following that despicable statement by the former President, he lied to the state that Akonta Mining is not engaged in illegal mining,” Dr. Ashigbey added.
He called on the CID and Attorney General to ensure that such cases are prosecuted.
“The CID, A-G, they need to take this case to court. Also, the NDC MP for Aowin has been accused of being involved in galamsey, the NDC secretary for Axim has also been accused, the President should order investigations into these two cases,” he concluded.
