The National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association, Ghana (NCSSMAG) has launched a dedicated anti-galamsey taskforce to combat illegal mining activities on water bodies across the country.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, September 23, the Association announced that the task force will operate across major mining districts and will be responsible for monitoring, enforcing compliance, and promoting responsible mining practices among its members.
“This taskforce has been mandated to monitor and enforce compliance among members, ensuring adherence to standard small-scale mining practices,” the statement read.
As part of the initiative, members of the Association will conduct peer reviews of one another’s operations to ensure full compliance with environmentally sustainable mining guideline.
To support enforcement efforts, the Association has procured a mini speedboat to help monitor activities on water bodies—an important step as the fight against illegal mining intensifies nationwide.
The move is intended to complement the government’s Blue Water Guards Initiative, led by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, which seeks to protect water bodies from pollution and degradation caused by galamsey operations.
NCSSMAG President Michael Kwadwo Peprah issued a strong warning to illegal miners, particularly those operating directly on rivers, to cease operations immediately.
“Our message is clear: all illegal mining operations on water bodies must cease immediately. The taskforce will not compromise in protecting our rivers for present and future generations,” Peprah stated.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to responsible mining and pledged to continue working with the government and other stakeholders to ensure Ghana’s natural resources are used sustainably.
Source: citinewsroom.com
