Western Regional Minister, Paul Evans Aidoo has revealed that one major challenge facing the development of the region is illegal mining also called ‘galamsey.’

He said areas such as Prestea and Wassa Akropong were prime areas for such activities adding that its attendant forest degradation could not be over emphasized.

“Vast lands are degraded and water bodies are polluted while dangerous abandoned pits are left uncovered posing serious risks to the people.”

The minister made the revelation at the Western Regional Policy Fair which ended recently on the theme “Building together in a better Ghana.”

Speaking on the topic “Streamlining small scale mining: addressing the menace of galamsey” at a dialogue session during the fair, Mike Allen Hammah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources noted that prior to 1989, artisanal and small scale mining especially of gold, was regarded as illegal.

He said this was because of the absence of legislation to control the activity and the products from such mining operations were smuggled to neighboring countries for sale and export.

Mr. Hammah added that in a bid to mainstream the activities of small scale miners, government made a policy in 1988 to regularize their activities leading to the promulgation of the Small Scale Mining Law, PNDCL 218 (1989).

He mentioned that in 2006, the legal regime on small scale mining was integrated into the new Minerals and Mining Act 2006, (Act 703) adding that “Section 81 to 99 of Act 703 relate specifically to the management of small scale mining in Ghana in addition to other laws, regulations and guidelines.”

“The high gold price on the world market has made low grade ores profitable, thus illegal miners with their ‘get-rich-quick’ mentality, have thrown operational safety precautions to the wind,” he stressed saying galamsey was a very dangerous activity.

“The negative impact it has includes land degradation through unsafe mining practices leading to accidents and loss of lives.”

He also mentioned the destruction of crops and farm lands which impacted negatively on food production in the local economy as well as pollution of streams and rivers resulting in increased costs of water treatment rendering water unsafe for drinking in downstream areas.

The minister used the occasion to explain to Ghanaians some key interventions by government to address illegal mining such as the establishment of the small scale mining district offices to facilitate licensing and extension service delivery.

Personnel manning these offices provide technical assistance to miners to regularize their activities and monitor their operations.