The Minister-designate for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Kofi Buah says mining in water bodies is illegal.
During his vetting in Parliament, the nominee emphasized the urgent need to halt these activities, which continue to threaten the nation’s water resources and the environment.
“Mining in our water bodies is illegal and concerning. We have to stop it with immediate effect,” he added.
Water bodies across the country have been under increasing threat from illegal mining activities, particularly in regions where gold is extracted through galamsey. These illegal mining operations often use harmful chemicals like mercury to extract gold, contaminating rivers and streams, which many communities rely on for drinking water and farming.
The minister-designate further highlighted the severe risks posed by such activities that jeopardizes not just the ecosystems but also the livelihoods of those dependent on clean water, stressing that his administration, if confirmed, would take swift and decisive action to protect these critical resources.
Addressing the appointment committee, he outlined that all mining activities in water bodies are prohibited by the country’s regulations. “If you want to do mining, use legal means to acquire a license irrespective of your status,” he said.
In response to the growing crisis, the minister-designate vowed to use all available resources to fight illegal mining, emphasizing that the country would stand united in protecting its water bodies and natural resources. “We are going to stand as a country to fight illegal mining,” he declared.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Deborah Amuzu
