Illegal mining: Government acquires five patrol boats to guard four river bodies
The move is in line with the red zone directive being enforced by the Lands Ministry to ensure a total ban on mining in river bodies
Samuel Abu Jinapor, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has said the government has procured five new patrol boats to be utilised by the security forces as part of measures to stop the threat of mining on river bodies in the country.
“I am happy to announce that the Ministry of Land and Natural Resources, has secured five patrol boats which will be used by the security services to patrol and protect our rivers,” he said.
The sector minister made this known during a press engagement in Accra on Wednesday (20 July) “River bodies continue to be red zones for mining, whiles recognisance prospecting and or exploration in forest reserves continue to be suspended except in exceptional circumstances.”
“Forest guards or the Forestry Commission have been working with the relevant security agencies to enforce this ban … as a more lasting solution to the pollution of our river bodies,” he said
“By next month, these boats will be deployed to River Ankrobra, Pra, Birim and the black Volta. We have recruited more mine inspectors and we sourced the commission to undertake effective regulations, in accordance with section 92 of the minerals and mining act 206 Act 703.
He also revealed that the government will in the coming weeks commission nine community mining schemes to promote legal mining and provide jobs for the youth in galamsey-dominated areas.
“We have revamped community mining schemes, and developed an operational manual to promote responsible and environmentally sound small-scale mining among this requirement.”
This, he says, will add to the thirty-four community mining schemes already commissioned by the government.
“All community mining schemes must have functioning offices, a proper database of miners, environmental officers on site, changing rooms for miners and sick bays. Last year 20 community mining schemes were commissioned in 14 mining districts across the country. And this year 14 community mining schemes have been commissioned….”
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