Sentences, fines imposed on illegal miners not punitive enough - Ken Ashigbey

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has asked Small Scale Miners to exercise restraint as government takes steps to address issues following the suspension of their activities. 

The Public Relations Officer at the Ministry, Abraham Otabil, says government is not going to take them out of their jobs, but rather trying to ensure that they operate in a more conducive environment. 

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, John Peter Amewu early this week announced a possible extension of the six month suspension of Small Scale Mining, this the Small Scale Miners are kicking against.  

Speaking on GBC’s Current Affairs programme, ‘Focus,’ Mr. Otabil said government is not against mining, but wants it be done in a sustainable way.

Convener of the Media Coalition against galamsey, Ken Ashigbey says the Attorney General and Chief Justice must take a second look at the sentences and fines imposed on the illegal miners who were arrested by the Operation Vanguard team. 

According to him, the sentences and fines are not punitive enough to deter others. 

This he said has emboldened the illegal miners to continue with their illegality. 

Mr. Ashigbey also called for the inclusion of Immigration Officers in the activities of the Operation Vanguard team. 

The Deputy Director of Arocha Ghana, an Environmental NGO, Deryl Bosu said the Small Scale Miners should be blamed for the ban placed on their activities. 

He said their leadership failed to monitor and reprimand their members who were not conforming to laid down rules. 

Mr. Bosu appealed to the Operation Vanguard team to work at night to arrest recalcitrant miners who work under the cover of darkness. 

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency, Worlanyo Siabi, says widespread illegal gold mining activities have affected underground water sources of the country. 

Speaking to Radio Ghana on the sidelines of the ongoing Mole Twenty-Eight Conference in Accra, Mr  Siabi said the Ashanti, Western and Eastern Regions are the most affected by such polluted underground water sources. 

GBCONLINE
---DECRYPTED---