The Shama District Assembly, Western Region, is to descend on traditional authorities and all those behind the illegal mining activity, popularly known as “galamsey”, in the area.
Mr Enoch Kojo Appiah, Shama District Chief Executive, said this at a day’s workshop in Shama on Minerals, Mining and the Environment, organised by the Takoradi office of the Minerals Commission for stakeholders in the industry.
He expressed regret that illegal mining was impacting negatively on the socio-economic livelihood of the people as it had polluted the River Prah which is the main source of potable water while degrading the environment.
The DCE said the turn of events demanded drastic measures therefore any person, irrespective of his or her status, would not be spared.
Mr Appiah, who described the situation as unpatriotic, expressed regret that while the fishes in the river had been killed with chemical used by the illegal miners depriving the fishing community of their business, the forest along the banks of the river had also been depleted with impunity.
"It is time to expose those selfish individuals to stop their negative activities to ensure the growth of the economy to enable the Better Ghana Agenda of the government to move forward without hitches".
He called on the Minerals Commission to come out with the true picture of the extent of pollution of the River Prah.
During deliberations, the stakeholders, comprising traditional authorities, mineral/mining operators, assembly members and opinion leaders from the Western Region, appealed to the government to take a firm decision on illegal mining in the country.
Nana TwenTwen III, Chief of Atwereboada, who made the appeal, said: "It is pathetic to see the river discoloured and thickened like porridge," and called for urgent measures to curb the menace.
Mr Isaac Mwinbelle, Senior Inspector of the Minerals Commission, advised the small scale mineral and mining operators against transferring their license to non Ghanaians as that was an offence punishable by law.
He encouraged the operators to observe good mining practices by being environmentally friendly to ensure their continued stay in the business.
Mr Mwinbelle underscored the need for them to form stakeholders' committee to assist the district assembly to monitor the various companies who contravened the mineral/mining regulations.
Small scale mineral operators include those in salt, kaolin and quarrying.