River Bodies Visibly Clearing Up; Jinapor Says
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has said that most of the “galamsey-polluted” river bodies in the country are improving following the renewed fight against illegal mining.
This comes days after his deputy, Hon Mireku Duker, announced turbidity level of River Ankobra has improved.
Samples of water JoyNews fetched in October 2022 from River Tano, Nwui, Offin, Bonsa, Bia, Ankobra, Amoya, Afu Afu and Totoa showed gross pollution.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, the Minister said most of the river bodies were beginning to visibly clear up with turbidity levels improving.
Hon Jinapor noted that this is owed to the measures put in place by the government including support to Small Scale Mining sub-sector, the ban on mining in river bodies and forest reserves, the employment of the services of river guards, tracking of excavators, the community mining scheme and others.
He was, however, quick to add, “that doesn’t mean we have rid our country of illegal mining”.
He said some ‘cartels’ continue to try to outwit them in the fight, however, “we will continue to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that we come to grips with this canker”.
He finally assured that the government will not relent in the fight against illegal mining.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
