Wassa Akropong (W/R), Aug. 28, GNA - Wassa Amenfi has initiated a move to regularize small-scale mining in the district. Consequently, a stakeholders' forum was held to deliberate on how to operate mining responsibly and also pay tax for the development of the district.

Addressing the forum, Mrs. Doris Gyapomaa Oduro, the District Chief Executive said, it was not the wish of anybody to deny anyone's source of livelihood but one's activity of making ends meet should not be allowed to degrade the land and property. Mrs Oduro said there was the need to collaborate with stakeholders to address issues concerning the environment. She said it was necessary for operators to register so that groups, which go contrary to the bylaws or regulations of the district could be held responsible. Mrs Oduro told the small-scale miners to honour their tax obligations, adding that, proceeds from the taxes were used in building social amenities.

Alhaji Jacktar Mohammed Hardi, the District Coordinating Director said, there had been unlimited number of small-scale mining in the district, saying, though it was generating employment and revenue, the land was being degraded. He regretted that activities of these miners had affected even roads and questioned whether they were looking for development or their individual welfare.

Alhaji Hardi said it was unfortunate that, mining was going on in forest reserves and such activity endangered lives and survival of majority of people in these areas because the main source of water was being polluted with mercury.

He said people see mining as a lucrative job and even children ware leaving classrooms to engage in it, saying, it was threatening the future manpower resource of the district and the nation as a whole. Mr Eric Coffie Rivers, National Secretary, Small-Scale Mining Association said, in 2004, 46570 ounces of gold and 778401 carat of diamond were sold to the Precious Minerals Commission (PMC). He said the name galamsey was associated with unacceptable behaviour, which made it unattractive and therefore, called on operators to come together to chart a course, which would be beneficial to both the operators and society. Mr Coffie Rivers called on all those small-scale mining operators to join the association, because there were a lot of benefits for them, if they were united. 28 Aug. 06