Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Former President John Dramani Mahama has promised to tackle illegal small-scale mining ruthlessly.

The first step will be to audit all mining concessions issued and identify beneficial owners of such concessions, he said.

He says that concession owners will be held liable for illegal mining within their concession areas.

Addressing the clergy in Accra on Tuesday, October 1, Mr Mahama said "Small-scale mining is recognised by law and must be done in a manner that does not harm the environment.