17-05-2013
Following government’s
resolve to flush out Ghanaians and foreign nationals engaged in illegal mining
in the country, all mining sites in the Upper East Region particularly those
with or without prospecting license from the Minerals Commission (MC) had been
asked to close down with immediate effect. The Upper East Regional Minister,
Alhaji Mohammed–Muniru, who gave the directive during a tour to some mining
areas in the Bawku West and Nabdam District, warned that the influx of foreign
nationals operating in illegal gold mining was against the laws of the country,
therefore such group of individuals is considered as invaders and should not be
entertained. Accompanied by some government officials and a combined police and
immigration officers, Alhaji Muniru, instructed owners of all illegal mining
sites to seek for the necessary permit and authorization from the offices of
the various Municipal and District Assemblies as well as the MC before operations can continue. Moreover, all
Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDAs) and their respective District
Security Committees (DISEC) have been tasked with the responsibility of
ensuring that all small scale mining activities possess the requisite authorization since such activities pose a serious threat to the nation’s
natural resources including water bodies, forest and farmlands. According to
him, the two institutions would be held accountable for any illegal mining
activity in their areas of jurisdiction. Alhaji Muniru told Radio Ghana that
considering the dangers associated with the practice coupled with retaliation
tendencies by Ghanaians and some Chinese nationals, it has become imperative
for government to take drastic measures to keep the activity in check in order
not to jeopardise the country’s peace. He was emphatic that any activity that
was in contravention with the mining laws of the country was regarded as
illegal, adding that persons that flout these laws were liable to arrest and prosecution.
Alhaji Muniru therefore appealed to small scale mining operators to respect the
mining laws and attach much importance to the safety aspect of those laws.
Areas visited by the Regional Minister and his entourage include Zoog, Yakote,
and Nangode all in the Nabdam District. In the Bawku West District, the team
also toured a concession owned by the Widnaba Youth Association at Widnaba. At Zaronga
which was the last point of call, Alhaji Muniru cautioned owners of the site
not to recruit children to undertake any mining activity since it was against
the laws of Ghana and warned that the government have the power to revoke
licence acquired if found involving children in their operations and also
subleasing their concession to foreign nationals. He was accompanied by the
DCE, Alhaji Adam Moro, the Presiding Member, Mr Moses Aduk- Pam and the
Regional Police Commander DCOP Isaac Alex Quainoo.
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