Leader Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reinforced his government’s commitment to rid the nation of illegal mining actions, popularly known as galamsey, plus restore water bodies contaminated by miners.
Speaking in the sod-cutting ceremony for the structure of the first phase from the Law Village, he mentioned those against the burning associated with excavators and other equipment from illegal mining sites possess the right to go to court to find redress.
“I know there are several who believe that the continuing exercise of ridding the water bodies and woodland zones of harmful apparatus and machinery is illegal and in some cases harsh, ” Akufo-Addo said.
“I strongly differ and I will advise people who take a contrary view to visit court to vindicate their own position if they so want. That is what the rule associated with law is all about, ” Akufo-Addo said.
He continued: “Apart from the criminal violations within Act 703 (The Nutrients Act), the activities of this kind of persons (illegal miners) desecrate our environment, pollute our drinking water bodies and endanger the particular lives of present plus future generations of Ghanaians, ” Akufo-Addo said.
Unlawful mining activities, popularly called “galamsey” are “monumental offences which should not be condoned in a shape or form, ” Akufo-Addo said.
He additional: “The presence of changfans in water bodies can be illegal as is the illegal use of excavators in secured forest zones. The damage caused by these equipment is absolutely nothing short of evil and we must not compromise in our efforts to guard our environment, forest reserves plus water bodies. ”
About the rights of the proprietors of the equipment being used for unlawful mining, Akufo-Addo did not svelte words, “I say with the emphasis at my command that will no rights can amass to or flow in the criminal venture of galamsey. The equipment which is being used for unlawful or criminal purposes are unable to confer on the owner or some kind of other person any legal rights whatsoever. ”
Akufo-Addo provides appealed to Ghanaians as well as the political establishment to move behind his administration within the fight against illegal mining.
“I appeal to all Ghanaians which includes many in the opposition that are doing so to rally at the rear of the government in its efforts in order to stamp out far-reaching illegality and criminality rather than endorse for the protection of non-existing rights of persons captured in this evil activity, ” he said.
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