Government Is Determined To Flush Out Illegal Miners – Inusah Fuseini

The Minster of Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini has stated that government is determined to flush illegal miners out of the sector, using all the legal avenues available.

According to him, “poverty and lack of employment drives people into the mines to excavate for gold,” increasing the numbers of illegal pits across the country.

Some 17 illegal miners were buried in a pit in Kyekyewere last week as they engaged in illegal activities near Dunkwa-on-Offin in the Central Region.

Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News Alhaji Inusah Fuseini indicated that government was aware that the area was prime for mining but lamented the growth in the number of illegal miners.

He noted that work on the legislation covering small scale mining was being expedited to ensure that stakeholders worked towards reducing the environmental impact of the mining activities.

The Minister raised concerns about the dangers associated with illegal mining activities in these mining communities emphasizing that “because they lack knowledge of the area, they use inappropriate technology.

Inappropriate technology exposes them to health and safety hazards resulting in environmental degradation.”

He added that the long term plan by government was to adopt a stakeholder consultative approach to solving the problem.

Hon Inusah Fuseini called on the communities, the District Assemblies, the Police, the NGO, the community based organizations to play a role “in helping us find alternative livelihood for people who engage in small scale mining.”