Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, has thrown his support behind the Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Adam Mutawakilu, in rejecting calls for a state of emergency to tackle illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Monday, Mr. Mutawakilu argued that declaring a state of emergency would not provide a lasting solution to the menace, which continues to threaten the country’s environment and water bodies.
He instead called for more sustainable and pragmatic measures to address the problem.
Reacting to the remarks on Accra-based Channel One TV, Mr. Sukparu said the Mahama-led government had already shown strong commitment in dealing with the galamsey menace, making a state of emergency unnecessary.
“So far, how this government has handled this issue [galamsey], I think that there’s no need for us to declare a state of emergency on the issue of galamsey. Because you have seen that the President has shown commitment to fighting this galamsey, and so far, we’re seeing results,” he said.
Mr. Sukparu added that before President Mahama assumed office, many forest reserves had been overtaken by illegal miners.
“Before he [President John Dramani Mahama] took office, we were told that several forest reserves were taken over by illegal miners.
“Per the current report we have, the government has taken over these forests. Several other initiatives have been put in place, including cancellation of some licences,” he said.
Source: Adomonline