A landowner in Brofoyedu, in the Central region, has said the government must entrust “galamsey” related issues into the hands of the district assemblies.
According to Francis, district assemblies will reap more benefits as they will see to it that the excavators of the landowners will be registered to generate revenues for developmental projects in the district through the payment of taxes and levies, while curbing the degradation of the environment.
He also stated that the assemblies will ensure that the galamseyers’ work is done properly by obtaining a permit to be recognized as small-scale miners. The Assembly can also deploy some of its men who will make sure that after every mining activity on any land, the galamseyers will refill the land back to make it fertile for other activities such as farming.
He said, reacting to the government’s resolve to clamp down on galamsey activities, “No government will be able to stop galamsey because it has been in existence for years and it has come to stay.”
Francis revealed that galamsey serves as a source of employment for most people in the community since there are no other jobs, aside from farming.
He also alleged that soldiers who have been tasked by the government to go to the mining areas do come, take bribes, and return, emphasising that the Assembly will see to it that the galamseyers are registered as legal miners to avoid issues with the government.
Speaking with the District Chief Executive for Upper Denkyira West, Honorable Richmond Koduah, on the opinion of the landowner, he said the government has commissioned a district mining committee which sees to it that responsible mining is done in every district.
“The district mining committee can cause the arrest of people who engage in illegal mining activities. They are also responsible for educating the people on the need to do responsible mining as well as its consequences,” he explained.
He added that a permit for legal mining can be obtained through the district mining committee, which will lease with the appropriate quarters and District Assembly after meeting all the criteria for responsible mining.
Hon. Koduah asserted that the government has given the District Assembly authority over galamsey activities following the inauguration of the district mining committee.
