At least 23 people, including 11 children, have lost their lives after falling into uncovered mining pits linked to illegal mining activities in the Ashanti Region, Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene has disclosed.
The Minister said four other people were still missing as a result of incidents associated with illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Dr. Amoakohene made the disclosure at the commissioning of the new Ashanti Regional Office of the Minerals Commission in Kumasi, where he called for stronger public support in the fight against illegal mining.
He said the government was taking steps to address activities that support illegal mining, including the removal of illegal fuel stations located in forest areas.
“The government is doing everything possible to remove all illegal fuel stations located in forest areas supporting illegal mining activities,” he said.
Dr. Amoakohene described the newly commissioned Minerals Commission office as an important intervention aimed at sanitising the mining sector and bringing the Commission’s services closer to its clients.
He commended the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for constructing the facility, saying it represented the government’s effort to bring the services of the Minerals Commission to the doorstep of residents and other stakeholders in the region.
The Regional Minister also commended President John Dramani Mahama for his commitment to completing legacy projects initiated by previous administrations.
He disclosed that the government had directed Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) across the country to allocate at least 20 percent of their Common Fund towards the completion of legacy projects.
According to him, the directive forms part of the government’s commitment to ensuring that abandoned projects are completed instead of being left to deteriorate.
Dr. Amoakohene urged residents and other stakeholders in the Ashanti Region to support government efforts to tackle illegal mining, stressing that collective action was needed to protect lives, forests and other natural resources from the devastating effects of galamsey.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
