The National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association, Ghana (NCSSMAG), has inaugurated an Anti-Galamsey Taskforce to clamp down on illegal mining on the nation’s rivers and streams.
The taskforce is mandated to monitor members’ operations, enforce compliance, and ensure strict adherence to responsible and sustainable mining practices.
Under the initiative, members are also required to conduct peer reviews of one another’s activities to promote accountability and best practices in small-scale mining.
As part of its enforcement efforts, NCSSMAG has deployed taskforces across all major mining areas and procured a mini speedboat to aid operations on river bodies.
The move aligns with the government’s Blue Water Guards Initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, which seeks to safeguard water bodies from the destructive effects of illegal mining.
Speaking at the launch, NCSSMAG President, Michael Kwadwo Peprah, urged all illegal miners operating directly on water bodies to stop immediately. He warned that defiance would invite direct confrontation with the taskforce.
“Our message is clear: all illegal mining operations on water bodies must cease immediately. The taskforce will not compromise in protecting our rivers for present and future generations,” Peprah stressed.
NCSSMAG reaffirmed its commitment to responsible mining and pledged continued collaboration with government and stakeholders to ensure Ghana’s natural resources are harnessed sustainably.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Isaac Justice Bediako
