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Business News of Sunday, 27 January 2013

Source: citi fm

Foreigners are not entitled to small-scale mining -Inusah Fusani

Minister-designate for the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini has promised to flush out all foreigners engaged in illegal mining popularly known as galamsey operations if his nomination is approved by Parliament.

Speaking at his vetting on Friday, he said a new policy will be put in place to monitor the activities of all galamsey operators in the country.

“The galamsey menace is one that everybody appears to be worried about and there is a cause to worry because they spoil the forest, pollute our water bodies and cause environmental challenges. They could be a catalyst to the resource curse and that is why government has said small scale mining must be the preserve of Ghanaians,” he stated.

Hon Fuseini further disclosed, “It is important for us to embark on a vigorous information and education campaign to assure all Ghanaians who want to engage in small scale mining that there is an opportunity for them to do so within the laws of the country.”

“We as a ministry responsible for that sector will be able to monitor the activities of galamsey operations. The system of registration less cumbersome for citizens who want to undertake the venture so they successfully do the small scale mining legally. Foreigners are not by law entitled to any piece within small scale mining,” he added.