The Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has announced that the government is taking steps to repeal the Minerals and Mining Act of 2003 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,” he said.
However, the Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Dr. Ken Ashigbey, has expressed disappointment in the government’s handling of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
He criticized what he called inconsistencies in government communication, saying, “How come the president who said he would revoke the L.I is now saying we should amend it? That’s disappointing.”
Dr. Ashigbey described the current law as weak and ineffective in fighting galamsey. “This is a bad law, even though it was created with good intentions,” he added.
He also made serious claims that some leading members of both the ruling NDC and opposition NPP are working together to engage in illegal mining in various parts of the country.
“Members of both NDC and NPP have joined forces to carry out galamsey in some districts. The government must take action,” he urged.
Dr. Ashigbey also called on the new CID boss not to allow political influence in their investigations, especially in past controversial cases like Akonta Mining.
“The new CID boss must not follow the wrong example set before. Former President lied when he said Akonta Mining wasn’t involved in illegal mining,” he claimed.
He concluded by calling on the CID and the Attorney General to take these cases seriously and ensure they are brought to court.
“The CID and the Attorney General must act. There are accusations against the NDC MP for Aowin and the NDC secretary in Axim. The President must order investigations into these cases,” he said.
