John Afful, Director of Communications for the Responsible Cooperative Mining Skills and Development Programme (RCOMSDEP), has affirmed the firm stance of the John Dramani Mahama administration against illegal mining activities, declaring unequivocally that “that nonsense won’t be tolerated.”
In an interview on Abusua965FM’s AbusuaAdwenekyere program with host Ebenezer Yaw Jonah, Afful highlighted the government’s determination to confront illegal mining, regardless of who is involved, including members within its own ranks.
“The government of President Mahama is prepared to take action even against its own officials engaging in illegal mining,” Afful said. “The law is clear, and it will be enforced without bias.”
Afful also announced a key initiative set for launch this December: the flagship ‘Responsible Cooperative Mining Skills and Development Programme.’
The project aims to empower communities by providing skills and creating job opportunities for youth, while ensuring mining is conducted responsibly and in full compliance with Ghana’s mining regulations.
Unlike previous community mining schemes which Afful criticized for being dominated by party chairpersons and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), the new programme will allow groups of at least 15 community members to obtain concessions and mine under strict legal oversight.
“This is not going to be like the past community mining initiatives. This one puts real power in the hands of the community people to mine responsibly and follow the rightful mining laws,” Afful explained.
Reflecting on past challenges, Afful pointed out failures under prior administrations to control illegal mining.
He cited the Akonta mining case, where illegal miners clashed with Forestry Commission officers in the Tano Numire forest, preventing enforcement actions and causing significant environmental damage.
“Akonta mining operated with impunity, even resisting the police, feeling protected by the previous government,” Afful said.
“Under this government, we will not tolerate that nonsense,” he added.
He emphasized that no individual, whether party member, financier, government official, or minister, would be exempt from prosecution if found engaging in illegal mining.
“This administration will uphold the law. The law is the law, and it will deal with you,” he firmly stated.
Afful urged Ghanaians interested in responsible mining to visit RCOMSDEP and participate in the programme that promises sustainable development and community empowerment in the mining sector.
Source: www.Kumasimail.com
