The National Communications Director of the Small Scale Miners Association, Abdul Razak Alhassan, has declared full support for the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle illegal mining.
Speaking on Prime News on ABC News GH, he praised the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources for his inclusive approach to resolving the crisis.
“This government is a listening government because the minister has been listening to us,” he emphasized, adding that the association has been involved in crucial discussions aimed at improving the sector.
However, he dismissed claims that small-scale miners are engaged in illegal activities, stressing that “if it is illegal, it is indeed illegal.”
Alhassan refuted suggestions that a state of emergency should be declared on galamsey, arguing that while some water bodies have been affected, the situation remains manageable.
“We can go after these 44 water bodies; we can even engage and give them an ultimatum,” he stated, advocating for a measured response rather than drastic measures.
Addressing calls to revoke Legislative Instrument (LI) 2463, Alhassan maintained that the regulation needs no revoking.
He explained that it does not permit mining in forests or water bodies.
He called for stronger enforcement of existing laws rather than scrapping the LI altogether.
“It has not gotten to the state of emergency,” he reiterated, insisting that targeted interventions should take precedence over sweeping legal changes.
