Following a review of the ongoing fight against illegal small-scale mining, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, along with the Regional Ministers, has directed the Regional Security Councils (REGSEC) to intensify enforcement actions.
In a press release dated September 11, 2024, the government indicated that it “will continue with the dual strategy of reformative measures and strict enforcement”.
It added that, “The Minerals Commission will enhance our reformative efforts, particularly, through ramping up the establishment of responsible and legal community mining schemes which have regard to the preservation of our nation’s environment and landscape.”
“Government remains steadfast and committed to continue to restore order and ensure that mining activities are conducted sustainably and legally in the national interest. We entreat all and sundry, to support these efforts to enable us protect our environment, preserve our water bodies, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come,” portion of the release read.
It further indicated that, “While Government warmly welcomes the heightened interest in this all- important national issue, we urge the discourse to be devoid of partisanship so as to enable us galvanize the needed national and collective support to root out this canker.”