The Eastern Regional Minister-Designate, Rita Awatey, has pledged to promote regulated small-scale mining to address the challenges posed by illegal mining, commonly known as 'galamsey.' Expressing concerns about the devastating impact of 'galamsey' on water bodies and forests, she highlighted the urgent need for intervention to protect the region's natural resources.
Appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on January 23, Madam Rita Awatey assured that pragmatic measures would be implemented to ensure that mining activities are carried out legally and responsibly.
She emphasized that strict adherence to mining regulations would not only mitigate environmental damage but also enhance the region's appeal.
Rita Awatey further noted that efforts would be made to regularize mining operations, allowing people to engage in responsible and lawful small-scale mining. "Eastern region is blessed, we have so many [natural] resources including gold, diamond and all the natural minerals and I believe God has given us such a beautiful place to enjoy. "But we must enjoy with rules, Ghana as a whole has rules for mining and we're going to apply the rules.
