Some youth groups of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region have expressed readiness to collaborate with government in fighting illegal mining also known as galamsey in the country.
Youth activist and communicator, Brogya Gyamfi made the assertion when they met with the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, John Peter Amewu in Kumasi.
Brogya Gyamfi regretted the havoc galamsey activities had caused in the region and the adverse impact it has had on their businesses and general well-being of small-scale miners.
He lamented the 6 months moratorium on mining and how it is affecting the livelihoods of those involved.
He, therefore, called on all youth groups to assist in efforts to restore their sources of livelihood.
He stated “I believe If we had started this fight earlier we wouldn’t have gotten this far. Stakeholders in this sector have now joined. When you go to these mining sites you will find miners who are members of NPP, NDC, CPP, PPP. The campaign started when there was a change of government so obviously, people will misconstrue that it is a political fiat against us but it is not only affecting just a group of people but all those in the mining chain.”
“Traders of heavy duty machines are affected, gold buyers and a whole lot of traders in this sector. Everybody is complaining. If this move by the government seeks to bring some sanity in the sector so that we can also feel the impact on our lives, why won’t we support it? I believe it is a worthy cause we have to support. At least we have been assured by the minister that there will be some sanity after the 6 months certificate.”
He added: “this assurance is really needed for a motivation for us to join the fight and also adhere to the best practices of mining.”
The sector minister, Peter Amewu met with the youth groups of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and NDC as well as the National Association of Small-Scale miners in Kumasi as part of his working visit to galamsey sites in the region.
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By: Kojo Agyeman/citifmfmonline.com/Ghana