Government says beyond slapping a fine on mining firm Newmont Ghana for a cyanide spillage last year, it will ensure that all companies abide by all regulations governing business in the country. Newmont has agreed to pay the penalty totaling GH¢7 million but a mining advocacy group Youth Action Ghana says the amount is inadequate and not deterrent enough. Deputy Environment Minister Dr. Omane Boamah however tells Joy News the entire regime for defining such penalties is being reviewed. “We put in place a regime that will regulate these compensations and fines. This is solely because as of now we do not even have any clear cut regime that regulates these fines and compensations. So we are saying that there is a new government in place that is ready and willing to confront the issue to be able to defend the interest of the people, the interest of society when it comes to the environment,” he indicated. In a related development, Dr. Boamah has assured residents living in areas surrounded by telecommunication masts that government will ensure strict enforcement of an existing ban on the erection of masts. It follows complaints by residents of Ashaley-Botwe about the springing up of the mobile phone towers in their community despite the ban. Deputy Environment Minister Dr Omane Boamah said whilst the ban does not affect constructions that are premised on consultations with communities where they are located, all new applicants must not erect masts until they have received the necessary authorization from the bodies that matter. Source: Myjoyonline.com/Ghana