As the government intensifies the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as the galamsey, George Mireku Duker, MP, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mines, has embarked on an exercise to engage communities in mining areas on the importance of responsible and sustainable exploitation of the country's mineral resources.
This week, Duker focused his sensitization work on communities in the Western Region, where he has been engaging leaders and members of small-scale mining groups, as well as residents of communities, on the risks posed by the galamsey.
Addressing gatherings in Wasa Amenfi West, the Deputy Minister rallied small-scale miners against the galamsey, enjoining them to actively participate in the fight against illegal mining.
He warned the small-scale miners against undertaking mining activities in forest reserves and water bodies, highlighting the devastating impact of such activities.