The years in Minerals and Mining Act is a more deterrent, effective way of fighting “galamsey” than burning of Excavators – Sammy Gyamfi

The National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has cast doubt on the sustainability of government’s method of clamping down on illegal mining locally called galamsey in the country.

Sammy Gyamfi, in a tweet on Thursday, said that it will be effective should the Akufo-Addo government implement the Minerals and Mining Act instead of burning excavators.

According to him, the ad hoc method that has been adopted by the Lands and Natural Resources and Defence Ministries are unlawful and unsustainable.

“@NAkufoAddo The prosecution and 15-25 year imprisonment of illegal miners as provided under our Minerals and Mining Act is a more deterrent and effective way of fighting the “galamsey” menace than the burning of Excavators. #StopTheLawlessness,” his tweet read.

Since April 2021, government through the Lands and Natural Resources and Defence Ministries, has carried out an anti-galamsey exercise, dubbed, Operation Halt on the country’s water bodies.

Military personnel have been tasked to burn down all mining equipment that illegal miners are using to destroy the country’s environment.

The method has been sternly criticised by a section of Ghanaians.

However, President Akufo-Addo has thrown his support behind the method that his appointees have adopted.

The President has asked persons who disagree with the current government’s approach to fight illegal mining to seek redress at the law courts.

“I know there are some who believe that the ongoing battle to rid our water bodies and forest zones of harmful equipment and machinery is unlawful and in some cases harsh,” he said.

“I strongly disagree, and I would advise those who take a contrary view to go to court to vindicate their position if they so wish…that is what the rule of law is all about,” he said.