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The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor has said government is set to launch a national alternative livelihood programme for illegal miners in the country.
According to him, this programme when launched will provide a good option for miners to work and support themselves and their families.
He disclosed this during a meeting with the Western North Regional House of Chiefs today, 22nd September 2021 on the sidelines of his one-day tour of the region.
The Minister who doubles as MP for Damongo used the platform to crave the support and collaboration of Chiefs as he describe them as co-partners in the administration of Ghana’s lands and its resources.
“There must be a strong collaboration between the Ministry and the Regional House of Chiefs to make this possible,” he stated.
He further asked that the chiefs, the security agencies and the District Chiefs Executive to work together and ensure that the natural resources of the country is protected.
The Minister reechoed government’s position on mining, saying “The President has not said we should stop mining. What he does not want done is irresponsible small-scale mining which will destroy our water bodies and forest reserves.”
Abu Jinapo further disclosed that government is also ready to start a reclamation programme which will help reclaim and revegetate all mined-out area within a space of two to three years.
He added, “protecting the lands, water bodies and forests of our country also means protecting our own interests and future so let’s work together to achieve this goal.”
Speaking on behalf of the House of Chiefs, the President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs who also doubles as the President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahohuo Yaw Gyebi, lauded the Minister for a great job done so far and asked among other things that the mining companies in the region be furnished with very good security presence to protect and prevent future threats on the lives of the people living in the communities.
Some other chiefs also suggested that government establish district offices in various mining areas which will ensure the monitoring and evaluation of the mining companies and their activities in those areas.
This they said can go a long way to help develop the communities as a percentage of what the companies earn can be channeled into the coffers of the community for future development.
By: modernghana
