The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources imposed the six-month ban as part of efforts to rid the mining sector of illegal miners.

Although the six months have elapsed, the Minister is yet to lift the ban.

Speaking to Citi News, the Secretary of the Association of Small Scale Miners in the Ashanti Region, Kwabena Boakye, said the demonstration is the last resort to get the ban reversed.

The ban became necessary as part of a clamp down on illegal mining activities, also known as galamsey.

“It is not just those in the Ashanti Region complaining. The others in various regions are complaining. We are starting with our own demonstration …It is not that we are impatient, but the government gave us a six-month ban, and that has elapsed so we need to know why they are not allowing us to go back to work and the plans they have for us as we speak now,” he said.

Ban on small scale mining may be extended

Mr. Amewu had earlier indicated that, the ban on small scale mining may extend beyond the stipulated six months.

He said the ban will not be lifted unless the objectives for the imposition are met within the six months.

The government imposed the six-month ban on small-scale mining as part of efforts to end illegal mining and its degrading effects on the environment.

The affected miners had expressed reservations about the ban, which is in its second month.

The government had warned the small scale miners that any attempt to breach the six-month freeze on all forms of small-scale mining will be considered a violation of the laws, and will be met with action from security forces, who will be deployed to enforce the ban.

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Small scale miners to hit streets over mining ban appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The government imposed the six-month ban on small-scale mining as part of efforts to end illegal mining and its degrading effects on the environment.

[contextly_sidebar id=”W7yX9frO04D2X5YzYC125ax7SEZGhPSy”]The affected miners had expressed reservations about the ban, which is in its second month, but in a meeting with the miners in Kumasi, Mr. Amewu rather called on the miners to comply with the ban.

“The ban on small-scale mining is on course. It is for six months so help us work collectively towards these six months. Collectively, until you are allowed to go back to the mining site, you will have to help us make sure we comply with that directive.”

“The fight against illicit mining is ongoing and till these six months, if we are unable to clear the system and rid out all the illegal people who are doing the mining, we will not be prepared to engage and bring you back to the mining site,” the minister stated.

The government has also warned the small scale miners that any attempt to breach the six-month freeze on all forms of small-scale mining will be considered a violation of the laws of the country and will be met with action from security forces, who will be deployed to enforce the ban.

The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners has expressed its displeasure with the ban and its Ashanti Region chapter plans to demonstrate against it.

During the Minister’s tour of the Ashanti Region, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, however, urged small-scale miners in the Region to comply with government’s ban.

According to him, the ban is a step in the right direction and will help deal with the menace, urging Ghanaians to understand that “this is being done to save Ghana from extinction.”

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By: Eugenia Tenkorang/Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Small-scale mining ban to exceed six months if… – Amewu appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.