Night Working Galamseyers Poke Fun At President’s Fight Against IIlegal Mining
Some nights illegal miners have flaunted on Tiktok their activities.
In the video which has since gone viral, a male voice is heard mocking the measures of President Akufo-Addo against illegal mining in the country.
“Akufo-Addo”, his commentary began, “you see, we running a night shift. Soon the day will break… work is progressing”.
The video showed the bucket of an excavator steadily digging out some sand.
“You don’t know every corner of the country. The work (illegal mining) is progressing steadily,” he said.
He assured the president that they aren’t quitting illegal mining for anything in the world.
“We can’t forsake galamsey”, he divulged, “This is the school we attended. We swear if you take our machine, we will do it with our hands. Everyone gets a job. We can make GHC500 a day”.
Last week, a leading member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gabby Otchere Darko averred that the only weapon to successfully put to rest illegal mining, otherwise known as galamsey, will be the will of Ghanaians.
He held that if Ghanaians earnestly wish to protect the natural resources of the country rather than make money, then the fight will end in victory.
“It takes people, mainly Ghanaian people, for this or any plan to work. If the will to mine anyhow for money is greater than the will to protect the environment and will same to our children what our ancestors willed to us then well…”, he tweeted.
The Minister for Lands and natural resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor on October 13 announced the relaunch of Operation Halt II, a military operation that clamps down on illegal mining on various water bodies and in forest reserves in Ghana.
Among the other measures adopted by the government, he said, include the declaration of river bodies as red zones for mining; suspension of reconnaissance and prospecting activities in forest reserves except in exceptional cases; and the banning of the manufacture, sale and use of changfan.
Also are the procurement of speed boats to patrol the rivers; recruitment of river guards to support the protection of the rivers; introduction of mercury-free gold Katchas; establishment of 83 Small Scale Mining Committees in all mining districts in the country; revamping of Community Mining Schemes; and the introduction of the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme, the Graphic Online reported.
Additionally, the new measures empower military personnel undertaking Operation Halt II to do so at their discretion and without interference.
Chiefs will now play key roles in the issuance of mining licences.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
