Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mines, George Mireku Duker, has embarked on a mission to educate communities in mining regions about the importance of responsible and sustainable mineral resource exploitation.

This week, Hon. Duker focused his outreach in the Western Region, engaging leaders and members of small-scale mining groups, along with local residents, on the risks associated with galamsey. Speaking to audiences in Wasa Amenfi West, he rallied small-scale miners to unite against illegal mining and emphasized their role in this critical fight.

He cautioned small-scale miners against conducting mining activities in forest reserves and near water bodies, underscoring the devastating consequences of such actions.

"Let’s do everything possible to expel all illegal miners from our water bodies," he urged. He pointed out that while previous governments have deployed military force in attempts to address galamsey, these efforts have not yielded lasting results.

“The militarization of the galamsey fight won’t provide a long-term solution,” he stated. Instead, he called for community commitment and cooperation in protecting Ghana's rivers and water resources, suggesting the formation of community watchdogs to oversee these efforts.

At Prestea Huni Valley, the Tarkwa-Nsuaem lawmaker stressed the necessity of prioritizing the interests of Ghanaians in any mining sector policies.

He reminded the audience that Ghana’s mineral resources are meant to benefit its citizens and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that Ghanaians reap the rewards of these resources.

He acknowledged the mining sector's contribution to the economy and emphasized that the government is not in favor of a complete ban on mining but will continue to implement reforms within the sector.

Barbara Oteng, the Board Chairman of the Minerals Commission and NPP Parliamentary candidate for Prestea Huni Valley, echoed the government's dedication to the small-scale mining sector. She highlighted various innovations introduced by the government to regulate small-scale mining, including the Community Mining Scheme and the decentralization of the licensing process.

On Tuesday, Mr Duker visited communities in Wassa Akropong and Wassa Amenfi Central, where he reiterated his call for small-scale miners to actively support the government's initiative against illegal mining.