Akyem Asikam (E/R), June 19, GNA - Alhaji Collins Dauda, Minister of Lands, Forestry and Natural Resources, on Thursday advised youth engaged in illegal Gold Mining, popularly known as Galamsey to think of the future when destroying the environment. He reminded them of the negative effects their activities had on the environment and warned that the country would be facing a bleak future if they would not put a stop to the illegal activities. Alhaji Dauda gave the warning when he addressed a group of galamsey operators at separate functions at Akyem Asikam in the East Akyem Municipality, and Akanteng and Kobriso in the West Akyem Municipality during his visit to those areas.

The Minister's visit followed reported cases of galamsey operators polluting water bodies as a result of their activities. The illegal miners among other things diverted the course of the Birim River, wash the mineral bearing rocks in it after the excavation and also destroy forest resources.

Alhaji Dauda and his team comprising Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Eastern Regional Minister, officials from the Forestry Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were shocked to witness that the galamsey operators were using heavy equipment such as excavators in their operations.

The Forestry Minister told the galamsey operators that if the environment is destroyed and the forest depleted, sooner than later the country would have to import forest resources from neighbouring countries.

Mr Ofosu-Ampofo on his part told the galamsey operators that the team was not there to harass them, but to educate them on the dire consequences of their actions.

He urged those interested in mining to apply for a tribute mining license so that at the end of their operations they can reclaim the land.

The team managed to seize about 80 water pumping machines from the operators. Meanwhile the Ghana Water Company (GWC) had threatened to shut down treatment plants at those areas if the high rate of pollution is not stopped.

The GWC said the high level of pollution, as a result of the activities of the miners, was compelling the company to spend more than the estimated amount of money, to treat the water. 19 June 09