Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Dr. Murtala Mohammed, has rejected accusations that the government has failed in tackling illegal mining.

He pointed out that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration has only been in office for two months and has just finalized ministerial appointments, making any assessment of its performance on the matter premature.

Speaking on JoyNews' PM Express on Monday, March 10, Dr. Mohammed argued that illegal mining has been a long-standing issue for the past eight years, and it would be unfair to hold the current government solely accountable in such a short period.

He revealed that steps are already being taken to repeal the existing mining regulations.

Dr. Mohammed also emphasized that President John Mahama's commitment to addressing illegal mining was based on a 120-day strategy, and the government is still in the middle of executing this plan."We have started the process to repeal the L.I. President Mahama made these promises anchored on 120 days. He said that within 120 days, I will do A, B, C, D. We're on just a little over 60 days," he explained.

"We have started the process to repeal the L.I. President Mahama made these promises anchored on 120 days. He said that within 120 days, I will do A, B, C, D. We're on just a little over 60 days," he explained.

He mentioned that his ministry began the process two weeks into his tenure.

"As I talk to you, the L.I. ought to be initiated from the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology. We started the process two weeks ago, barely a week after I was sworn in. I signed a letter to the Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General.

"The Ministry looked at it and did what they needed to do, and returned the letter to me for another one to be signed, which I signed last Thursday," he stated.

He criticized those voicing concerns without first verifying the facts with his ministry.

Dr. Mohammed indicated that the bill to overturn the L.I. is set to be presented to Parliament shortly, potentially within the week, subject to the parliamentary agenda.

"It can happen this week. It can even happen tomorrow because we have budgets to be read. But one thing I can tell you is that it will happen as soon as possible," he stated.

The minister emphasized the government's dedication to honoring President Mahama’s 120-day pledge, guaranteeing that every commitment within this period will be fulfilled as scheduled.

"We made a promise, and it was part of the 120-day promises President Mahama made. Wait and see whether it will be delivered within that," he assured.