The Minister for Defense, Dominic Nitiwul is calling on the general public to join the government in the fight against illegal mining in the country.
According to him, a joint force will help deal with the problem.
Addressing Journalists in Accra, he said "This fight is for all of us, let's join hands together and fight it"
He also explained that the armed men deployed to embark on the operation are not politically affiliated or friends of any politician(s).
Dominic Nitiwul hinted that 561 all ranks (armed men) participated in the operation.
"49 excavators burnt, 28 chanfains and 87 water pumping machines, 76 wooden structures, 1 container, 3 motorbikes, 7 generators, and a gun were destroyed" he added.
He warned illegal miners who have sort to mining in the night to desist from their activities adding, he cannot guarantee their safety.
"The operation span for four days and one Chinese was arrested" he added
The Defense Minister said" The armed forces are doing a surgical operation. They have performed 70%. As for top government officials, you will do harm to the country if you know of such persons and do not report. Let us know"
He hinted that no community mining activity in Akropon in the Eastern Region has contributed to the destruction of lands.
On his part, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor said "Community mining will not result in this. The operations are restricted to water bodies. I will speak to Hon. Kennedy Agyapong to reveal to the government officials involved in the act to me"
"There huge number of people who come into my office so it is reasonable for an officer of a mine to come to my office. People coming to see me is inconsequential. We work with transparency" he mentioned.
He disclosed that he does not have an outright ban on the activities.
Watch the live broadcast below:
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
Comments