The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has lauded the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources for his efforts in fighting illegal Small Scale mining, popularly called galamsey in the country.

“The creation of this new economy that we are embarked on cannot be possible without the support of John Peter Amemu and the work he’s doing and what he’s going to do in the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. John Peter Amewu is a gem of the state, he’s a gem of the Volta region, he’s a gem of Ghana as a whole. We salute him, We thank him.”

At a ceremony organized by the Chiefs and People of Hohoe in the Volta region to honour the Minister, Dr. Bawumia assured that Nana Akufo-addo government will not relent in its efforts in fighting to save the country’s water bodies from illegal small scale mining activities.

He adds: “As a government, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo wants you to know that he’s engaged daily, nightly in the business for which you elected him.

The Akufo-Addo administration since taking over in January has been on a war-path with galamsey operators.

A directive went into effect in March ordering illegal miners to leave their concession within a three week ultimatum and submit to government oversight to formalize their operations pursuant to mining standards in the sector.

Mr. Amewu reiterates that government is aggressive on streamlining the process to grant permits for legal mines.

“The NPP administration is not anti-mining government but we want to engage mining in a more sustainable and environmental friendly manner. And anybody that is ready to do that is welcome.”