Land and Natural resource Nominee and MP for Tarkwa Nsuaem Constituency, Hon George Mireku Duker says that the government is planning to introduce River Guards to protect Ghana’s rivers from illegal mining otherwise known as “galamsey”.
On the back of the president’s recent consultative stakeholders dialogue which sort to bring consensus among stakeholders on how best small scale mining could be done without causing harm to the environment, Hon. George Mireku has reiterated the President’s commitment to formalize small-scale mining through the application of best practices.
According to him, the government plans to implement one of the suggestions that came up during the recent small-scale mining dialogue, that is the introduction of River Guards to protect Ghana’s river bodies.
He made this known on Adzekye Mu Nsem on Spice 91.9 Fm, when host, Kwame Offei congratulated him on his nomination as Deputy Minister of Land and Natural Resource.
“The introduction of river guards is going to be one of government’s approaches to deal with the Galamsey menace. The guards will be selected to constantly provide protection for these water bodies.”
This is aimed at protecting the country’s rivers from illegal mining activities that are currently polluting our water bodies.
It is also expected to be achieved through an effective collaboration between Land and Natural Resource Ministry and Water and Sanitation Ministry.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo’s second approach in fighting galamsey is going to be more consultative to ensure consensus building for sustainable growth and development in the sector, he noted.
The Member of Parliament further indicated that funds will be provided from the Minerals and Investment Fund to procure equipment to support people in small-scale mining.
Recently the Public Relation officer of Ghana Water Company, Nana Yaw Bennie, called on the government to double up the effort in protecting our water bodies as a result of an increase in the cost of treatment. For example, the Bonsa River currently demands 40bags of Alum for treatment due to the rise in the activities of illegal miners instead of 10bags of Alum. According to him, if care is not taken for an immediate solution, Ghana stands the chance of importing water in the nearest future.
Story by Kwame Offei
