A concerned citizen, Asaana Bukari Majeed, has presented a petition to the President outlining measures to tackle illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and its destructive impact on the environment.
Mr. Majeed proposed that government declare a temporary state of emergency on galamsey activities to allow for proper regulation.
He recommended that the process begin with identifying all individuals involved in illegal mining across the country and creating a national database to track their operations.
He further suggested that government assess the impact of these activities, particularly on water bodies, and engage stakeholders whose work contributes to environmental degradation.
Mr. Majeed also recommended that operators destroying water bodies be directed to halt operations immediately, while those working on bare lands should be monitored, compelled to refill damaged sites, and relocated.
On regulation, he urged the Lands and Minerals Commission, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, the Gold Board, and other relevant agencies to strengthen oversight by supervising and monitoring miners daily.
This, he argued, would not only ensure compliance but also create job opportunities as more personnel would be required to enforce regulations.
He further called for the registration of miners whose activities are environmentally sustainable, while foreign nationals involved in illegal mining should be arrested and prosecuted.
Mr. Majeed stressed that such measures, if implemented, would be more effective than the use of force, which he said often leads to loss of lives, unemployment, and insecurity.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
