Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Hon. Murtala Mohammed has underscored the need for the media and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to prioritize the galamsey fight stressing that the galamsey war being waged is a moral fight for our own survival.
He described galamsey which has decimated our forest reserve and water bodies as evil and terrorism against humanity, calling on the media and Civil Society organizations to see the fight as a collective responsibility and be deeply involved.
Hon. Mohammed Murtala and Hon. Armah Kofi Buah addressing the media
Hon. Mohammed was speaking at a press conference held jointly by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and Ministry of Envuronment, Science and Technology (MEST).
“The media has a huge responsibility to deal with this evil and terrorism against our land and river bodies”,the Minister bemoaned.
The MP for Tamale North however pointed out that there are signs that huge gains are being made maintaining that illegal miners are powerful hence must be confronted Head on with all hands on deck.
“Those we are dealing with are very powerful so we need the support of the media”, Dr. Mohammed intimated.
He later cautioned all politicians saying “all those who think they can hide behind political parties to do galamsey should beware as the whip would be cracked regardless of one’s political party.
On his part, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah revealed that all Community Mining Schemes have been disbanded whilst their licenses revoked.
He added that that community mining schemes are henceforth to be replaced by small scale cooperatives as part of efforts to combat galamsey in the country.
According to the Minister, the change in name is to ensure that the objective for it’s implementation is achieved whilst also contributing to the fight against galamsey.
Hon.Armah Buah revealed that the decision came about following findings by a Committee set up by the sector Ministry and Ministry of Environment Science and Technology to review small scale licenses.
“The committee has presented their findings and we are here to provide an update to the Ghanaian people.
Revoking all licenses issued since December 7th, 2024
Existing Community Mining Schemes are in name only, although the basis for which they were founded was to benefit the community. However, the findings indicate that this is not the case hence, they are to be disbanded and replaced with Small-Scale Cooperatives that actually serve and benefit the communities”, the Minister emphasized.
HE later revealed that the Committee to be chaired by the Deputy Minister of Lands and
Natural Resources – Hon. Yusif Sulemana and to be deputized by a
Director from the Ministry of Env’t Science and Technology is tasked to audit all licenses to ensure they were properly acquired, that due process was followed, and that they meet all conditions of continuous validity with respect to environmental water bodies, forest reserves, and land preservation standards.
Source:senaradioonline.com
