The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has assured that it will, through the Minerals Commission and allied agencies, probe the concerns raised by the chiefs and people of Gwira against Okobeng Mining Ltd.
The Gwira Traditional Council has petitioned the Ministry to probe activities of the company, and uphold its decision to ban it from undertaking mining activities in their area.
A three-member delegation from the council yesterday called on the Ministry, and lamented the impact of alleged illegal mining activities of the company.
Illegal mining
The chiefs said the affected communities had resolved to ban the company from undertaking any activities in their areas. Consequently, they requested the approval from the Ministry and Mineral Commission to enforce their decision.
The chiefs also declared their support for government’s illegal mining fight, and expressed their readiness to collaborate with relevant agencies to stamp out the menace in the area.
The council further claimed that a number of companies are undertaking mining operations without the required licences.
Assurance
Responding, a Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in charge of mines, George Mireku Duker, promised that his Minister would be briefed on the issues raised and that drastic measures would be put into action to address the issues.
Mr Mireku Duker also appealed to the Gwira Traditional Council to petition the Ghana Police Service and Interior Ministry to take up the matter.
“I promise to follow up the issues and investigate them. The situation with Okobeng is a major concern for everyone in the country. There have been shooting incidents, among other things, so I’m glad you are now taking action against Okobeng. Ghanaians must be concerned with what is going on with Okobeng.
“I also believe that you must inform the IGP and Interior Minister about the situation for the necessary measures to be taking. Just as you petitioned us, kindly petition the Ghana Police Service and Interior. We’ll investigate the issues relative to the licences, but the security issues are to be directed to the police, so I will beg of you to petition them,” he appealed to the chiefs.
