Obuasi, Feb 21, GNA - The Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment, Mr Stephen Asamoah-Boateng has cautioned against the activities of illegal miners in the already acquired concessions of the various mining companies in the country. "We cannot give already owned concessions to these illegal miners", he stressed.

The Minister, who was on a day's working tour of the Obuasi Municipal area, gave the caution at a hurriedly arranged press briefing after holding a closed-door meeting with the management of AngloGold Ashanti, Obuasi on Tuesday.

The press briefing was necessitated by media reports on Tuesday that more illegal miners were suspected to have been trapped underground at West Walley Shaft of the Obuasi mine.

Mr Asamoah-Boateng who extended his sympathy to the bereaved families, stressed that illegal mining needed to be stopped. He said in most cases their illegal operations ended up in tragedy and that is the more reason why "we need to address these illegal mining activities".

The Minister said it was important for the illegal miners to initiate proper approaches with the authorities for licences and concessions to avoid this tragedy.

Mr Asamoah-Boateng also advised them to shift their interest to the more sustainable development programmes being put in place so that they could be guaranteed a brighter future.

Mr Danies Spies, the Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti (Obuasi) told the press that the Company was not sure of the number of the illegal miners suspected to have been trapped.

He said the Company was committed to safe environment, stressing, "we do not want people to lose their lives".

The Minister, who had earlier on called on mining companies to sit up and improve conditions in mining communities told the press at the briefing that, "we have engaged the company to improve the lives of the people in the area".

Mr Asamoah-Boateng, had since left Obuasi to continue his tour in some Districts in the Ashanti Region, including Afigya-Sekyere, Sekyere West, Atwima Nwabiagya, Offinso, Amansie West and Bosomtwe-Atwima-Kwanwoma.