The Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor has said that government will soon engage chiefs to discuss modalities for issuing mining permits.

"When I became Minister, I took notice of how Nananom are not involved at all in the licensing and permitting regime so we are taking steps to ensure that Nananom are actively involved in the issuance of mining permits." He explained

He made this known when addressing the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs in Koforidua.

Samuel Abu Jinapor also informed the Chiefs that as part of efforts to effectively enforce the ban on illegal mining across the country, his Ministry has decentralised enforcement regimes.

"We have observed that when central government started the enforcement exercise, Chiefs, Regional Ministers and MCE's were not involved but now the various Regional Security Councils will lead the charge." He disclosed

Government has waged war against illegal mining especially in forest reserves and water bodies.

A number of mining equipment have been burnt to eradicate the canker. These include; 85 excavators, 622 changfans, one fuel pump and 105 water pumps.

The President of the Eastern regional House of Chiefs, Nene Sackitey appealed to the Minister to ensure that Parliament passes the bill that gives Chiefs authority to summon their subjects before them.