Dr Kwasi Akyem Apea-Kubi, the out-going Eastern Regional Minister, has urged the youth engaged in illegal mining activities, popularly call Galamsey, to put an end to the business.

He asked them to take advantage of the Local Enterprise and Skill Development Programme (LESDEP) and the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) to give them lasting source of livelihood.

He said Galamsey operation is a short term job and illegal and could not guarantee them a long term job.

Dr Apea-Kubi was speaking to the media after visiting Galamsey sites in the Akyem area in the Region.

He said the illegal miners are disregarding the laws of the country and sounded a caution that the government would not sit down for a few selfish persons to take the laws into their own hands.

Dr Apea-Kubi said government had instituted LESDEP and many modules under the NYEP to create jobs for the youth.

He said the region would liaise with the Minerals Commission to furnish it with the list of all the companies that had been given permits to mine on concessions in the area to be able to flush out the illegal occupants.

Dr Apea-Kubi appealed to the media to inform the public on the adverse effects of illegal mining activities in the area and stop supporting those engaged in the act.**