A group of small-scale miners in Ghana has taken decisive action against illegal mining operators, launching a series of attacks on their sites. This initiative is seen as a demonstration of support for government efforts to combat illicit mining, which has been linked to environmental degradation and revenue loss.
The small-scale miners have targeted several illegal mining operations in the Ashanti and Western regions, using their resources to dismantle equipment and disrupt activities. They argue that illegal mining undermines the legitimacy of the legal mining industry, making it a pressing concern for all stakeholders.
During a meeting in the Amansie West District organized by the Advocacy for Sustainable Mining group, miners emphasized the importance of responsible mining practices. Mr. Joseph Mensah, the Amansie West Zonal Chairman of the Small Scale Miners Association, called on the government to continue supporting their fight against illegal mining activities.
He noted that a task force has been established to specifically target illegal miners operating on water bodies and in forest reserves.
Amankwa Anthony, a member of the association, expressed frustration over the negative impact of illegal mining on their work, stating, “Illegal miners are making our work unpopular and difficult, so they must be dealt with without mercy.”
While the group supports efforts to address illegal mining, they oppose calls from some Ghanaians for a total ban on small-scale mining, arguing that such measures will not effectively resolve the issue.
Source: http://dew360.net
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