No need for new laws to tackle illegal mining – Rev. Fr. Joseph Blay

Reverend Father and anti-galamsey campaigner, Joseph Blay, has firmly stated that there is no need for new laws to combat illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey”. He says the government only needs to enforce the laws already in place.

Speaking to JoyNews, Mr Blay emphasised that the necessary laws to address illegal mining already exist.

“We have very good regulations. The Lands and Minerals Act 703 is in place, and all the required amendments have been made,” he said.

He stressed that the focus should be on implementing these existing laws rather than creating new ones.

Mr Blay also pointed to a recent mandate by President John Dramani Mahama, issued on 30th January, which called for action against illegal mining.

The mandate included instructions to arrest individuals involved in illegal mining, ban mining in forest reserves, and prohibit mining on riverbeds.

“The priority now should be enforcing the laws we already have,” Mr Blay stated.

He added that before any new measures are considered, authorities must first focus on effectively implementing the laws currently in place.

“Before thinking about new legislation, we need to act on the laws that already exist,” he concluded.

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