Bepo (W/R) Sept. 14, GNA - Mr Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, on Saturday called on the district assemblies to pass bye-laws to ban children from engaging in galamsey mining.

He made the call during interaction with the inhabitants of Bepo and Kumso in the Wassa West District as part of a four-day working visit to the area.

Mr Aidoo expressed concern that many children who should be in school and able- bodied men who could take to farming are turning to galamsey mining for livelihood.

He advised those engaged in small-scale mining to register with the Mines Department for licence and to properly obtain concession. Mr Aidoo said research conducted by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) on the use of mercury in galamsey operations revealed that the chemical could cause cancer in the users. He said the Mines Department could teach those who regularise their operations the proper way of mining.

Mr Aidoo said the Health Insurance Law, which has been approved by Parliament, is awaiting Presidential assent for the implementation of the scheme to begin.