Former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Ade-Coker, says his call for ban on small-scale mining is the only way to combating the galamsey menace that has become a threat to the country.
According to him, a nationwide ban on all forms of small-scale mining and prospecting for gold and other minerals over a period of time, should be implemented immediately.
In his view, there is no justification that the practice will become a thing of the past anytime soon despite the government’s commitment to use the military and other methods in its fight.
“We have to ban illegal mining in the country, yes, total ban and that is simplest way to succeed in combating this canker. We have to take a decision on this and that is by banning it,” he told Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah.
He stated that: “We can deploy about hundreds of military officers to go and burn Chanfans and destroy other mining equipment but without implementing a ban method…..” all the efforts and energy in addressing the menace will not yield any result.
He further advised that the days of proposing theoretical ideas on the subject should be considered archaic and rather start giving practical solutions.
Chairman Ade-Coker said this during the panel discussion segment on the Angel Morning Show on Monday, October 14, 2024.
