The Convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, Dr. Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, says the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources does not fully grasp the severity of illegal mining activities on water bodies and human life as a whole.

His comments come in response to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources reiterating the government's commitment to promoting sustainable and legal mining practices in Ghana.

Samuel A. Jinapor, among other things, highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining, or "galamsey," which have been intensified under the current administration.

• Read also: Government committed to sustainable and legal mining – Lands Ministry insists

Key initiatives include the deployment of anti-galamsey task forces, stricter monitoring of mining sites, and enhanced enforcement of mining regulations. These measures are intended to clamp down on illegal operations while fostering sustainable practices in the sector.

He also mentioned that a meeting has been called with regional ministers to find lasting solutions.

However, Mr. Ashigbey argues that the Mr Jinapor's response to the menace proves that he does not fully understand the severity of the issue on human life.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Wednesday, he said there was no new approach in the minister's release to ending the canker.

“You see that the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources does not get it. What is new amongst the things that he said? All these things that you are doing, you have been doing it and turbidity of water is at 14,000 NTU and you say regional minister?” he quizzed.

Mr Ashigbey said regional ministers drive past and see the illegality, but they do not have the capacity to handle the canker.

He stressed that the actions mentioned “do not satisfy what we are asking for. It just shows that they don’t realise we are in a crisis. It tells you that they don’t see the enormity of the challenges we are facing.”