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Unlike those who only criticize the government on its policies without providing alternatives, a USA based Ghanaian Mining Engineer and former NPP-California Chapter Deputy Secretary, Solomon Kwabena Owusu, has given possible solutions to ending illegal mining in Ghana.
His comments followed the recent mining incident at Adansi Akrokerri in the Ashanti Region, where two illegal miners were trapped in an underground illegal mining operation, resulting in one recorded fatality. He believes that the death of the young man is a clear indication that the government has failed its fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, after the two years ban.
According to the experienced diaspora mining professional, the government can address the problem with the following key sustainable mining considerations; introduction of standard operating procedures, guidelines on acceptable environment and safety measures, efficient monitoring and effective law enforcement.
Mr. Solomon Owusu insisted that the government should outline policies to ensure that all approved small-scale mining companies employ at least, a responsible person with an academic degree in any of the earth science disciplines to coordinate all environmental protection activities and safe operations.
Speaking to Bryt fm’s Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma on Saturday July 20, 2019, Solomon called for prosecution of offenders to serve as deterrent to others who intend to engage in any form of illegality to affect the entire nation.
Concerning operations vanguard activities, Mr. Owusu questioned the impact of their mandate in the fight against galamsey, saying “it seems the state security is rather protecting activities of these illegal miners against mining community residents who have legitimate grievances against mining operations”.
“Didn’t you hear the CEO of Forestry Commission, Mr. Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, popularly known as Sir John, complaining about some ‘big men’ behind these illegal mining activities? In Ghana, who are those big men beyond CEO position? If ministers, then who are those ministers” Mr. Owusu rhetorically quizzed the journalist.
Solomon emphasized that the government has invested heavily in the galamsey fight but awfully failed in dealing with the menace, since Ghanaians have not seen any positive result. He recommended that the president H.E. Akuffo Addo should dissolve the inter-ministerial committee and rather equip the Minerals Commission to execute its mandate.
By: Radio1News|Ghana
