Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has assured Ghanaians that concerns surrounding the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) permitting mining in forest areas will be addressed through the amendment of the Minerals and Mining Act 2003. Apexnewsgh reports
According to Dr. Muhammed, this move demonstrates the Mahama administration’s commitment to listening to the concerns of its citizens.
We are beginning the process of amending the Minerals and Mining Act 2003 to bar individuals from mining in forest areas,” Dr. Muhammed stated on TV3’s Key Points program. He emphasized that this process would satisfy issues around the L.I, showcasing the government’s willingness to listen and respond to public concerns.
However, Dr. Ken Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, has criticized the government’s stance, urging President John Dramani Mahama to fulfill his promise to revoke the L.I entirely. Dr. Ashigbey argued that the particular L.I is “bad and should go,” questioning why the president has been able to remove the E-levy but seems hesitant to revoke the L.I for mining in forest areas.
Dr. Ashigbey’s sentiments were echoed in his statement, “How come the president who said he is going to revoke L.I, is now saying that we should amend, that is a blot.” This criticism highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the government’s approach to addressing galamsey and environmental concerns in Ghana.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
