Members of the Association of Small Scale Miners will later today meet to state their position on President Akufo-Addo’s directive for the military to clear mining operators from forest reserves and water bodies.

Joy Business is learning that the meeting will take place in the Eastern region.

The members are unhappy about the perception that their activities have polluted water bodies and the environment.

They will after the meeting issue a communique on their action plan.

Joy Business further learnt that the members are unhappy because they are being used as scape goats, whilst the real problems are being swept under the carpet.

The President directive is for the military to clear illegal mining on the banks of our water bodies and forest reserve.

However, it looks like small scale miners will be affected by this directive.

Akufo-Addo reiterates commitment to clamp down on illegal small scale mining

President Akufo-Addo has reiterated his commitment to clamp down on illegal small scale mining popularly known as ‘galamsey’ in the country.

According to him, his government has re-introduced measures to fight the menace which is significantly affecting the country’s water bodies and environment.

Speaking to CNN, he stressed that he and his government with the assistance of the military will eradicate the menace for the environment to resuscitate to its natural state.

“We are determined to come to grip with it. In fact this week major operations are being authorized by me, the Armed Forces to clear our rivers of all the equipment, the machinery that is devastating and polluting our environment and waters”.

Lands Minister confident military will do a good job

Samuel Abu Jinapor, Land and Natural Resources Minister earlier said the deployment of military personnel’s to forest reserves and water bodies in the country would ensure that mining activities come to a halt.

“I have absolute confidence in them and I believe the steps they are taking. They are working to clear illegal mining on the banks of our water bodies. Forest reserves are also going to be protected and safeguarded,” he said.