The Media Coalition Against Galamsey (MCAG), has urged the government to order the cessation of all small-scale and surface mining activities in all parts of the country.

In a press statement issued by the Coalition, on October 13, 2022, it noted that small-scale and surface mining activities must be stopped so that water bodies and forest reserves will be restored.

“Order all small-scale and surface mining activities to stop IMMEDIATELY so that our water bodies and forests will begin to be restored and strategize a way to bring sanity to all surface mining activities in Ghana,” the Coalition suggested.

The Coalition further urged the government to amend and enforce the Minerals and Mining Act and to also arrest, investigate and prosecute persons suspected to be involved in the menace.

“Ensure that the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended, is enforced without fear or favour. ‘Powerful’ people involved in Galamsey activities in the country should be exposed and sanctioned to serve as a deterrent.

Arrest, investigate and prosecute everyone involved in the illegality including the Akonta Mining Ltd and its Directors, Bernard Bosiako and Kwame Antwi, for illegally mining in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve as well as breaching (Section 99(6) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by mining very close along the banks of Tano River," it said.

The MCAG also called for any MCE/DCE in whose areas of jurisdiction illegal mining has taken place and still continues based on evidence on the ground to be sacked.