The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has expressed deep regret about the wanton destruction of the environment in the region through illegal mining activities.
He said the situation is threatening water bodies, forest reserves and general livelihoods in the region.
Speaking to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Coordinating Directors in the region on dangers associated with the canker if not halted, the Minister said the fight must continue.
Explaining the direct impact illegal mining activities have on the environment, the local economy and the investment, Joseph Nelson said the sustainability of some business establishments in the region is currently under threat.
In Ahanta West alone, he said the operations of GREL, and Norpalm, two major agro processing companies are being affected unjustifiably by the conduct of illegal miners and their activities.
He noted that should the sustainability of these affected companies be allowed to suffer, definitely, decent well-paying jobs will suffer.
“When their sustainability is threatened, then you can imagine the repercussions” he remarked.
According to the Minister, the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies must be able to tackle the illegal mining activities without fear or favour.
“If we cannot protect them (Companies, firms) we will be failing in our service to the nation” he advised the Coordinating Directors.
He said he will lead the fight against illegal mining activities in the region to protect sustainable jobs. “I intend to work with you to protect these jobs while we work to create new ones,” he assured.
He cited river Ankobra, river Pra, as two major river bodies in the region suffering from serious pollution from these illegal mining activities as examples of the danger associated with the canker.
According to the Minister, the country’s agricultural sector is currently under serious threat. Agric is affected and every facet of the Ghanaian economy is under attack.”
The Minister told the Coordinating Directors that although many Ghanaians seem to have given up on the fight against illegal mining, he, as the Minister will never give up.
“I think differently” he sounded optimistic in his quest to fight and win the war against illegal mining.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
Source:
3news.com
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