The Ghana Chamber of Mines has decried the lack of actions by the state security and other relevant institutions in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as Galamsey in the country.
According to the chamber, the recent increase in galamsey activities and violence against licensed mining companies has caused insecurity and fear among investors in the mining sector.
Speaking to Citi Business News at the sidelines of a press conference, the Chief Executive Officer of the chamber, Mr. Sulemanu Koney alleged that the inactions at the Obuasi mines that led to the death of Anglogold’s Communications Manager, John Owusu, has emboldened other illegal miners to take the laws into their hands.
“Companies such as Owere Mines , AngloGold Ashanti-Obuasi Mine and Peresus Mines in Ayanfuri in recent months have seen an escalation of activities of illegal miners on their concessions”, he said.
“We believe that the inaction at Obuasi has indirectly contributed to the invasion of the Owere Mines and nobody knows which company will be next”, he added.
He lamented that the illegality has deprived duly licensed companies of the opportunity to exploit the inherent mineral resources more safely and prudently while it creates additional cost for the companies for rehabilitating the land.
“Pits excavated by illegal miners claim the lives of company employees as well as resident of host communities”, he said, adding that “the resultant destruction to the environment is immeasurable”.
He warned that the threat to the environment and the economy would be detrimental if the illegal miners are not flushed out by state security agencies.
–
By: Lawrence Segbefia/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana