The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission have procured five (5) speed boats to help in the fight against illegal mining on water bodies.
The six-point-five metres (6.5m) Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIB) will be deployed on Rivers Ankobrah, Prah, Birim and the Black Volta to rid these water bodies of any form of mining. This came to light when the sector Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, commissioned these boats at Beposo in the Western Region.
The procurement of these speeds boats is part of measures being adopted by Government to find a lasting solution to illegal mining and the pollution of water bodies. Speaking at the commissioning on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, the Minister said the boats will be operated by the security services of the country, and River Guards to be recruited by the Minerals Commission. He said water bodies remain Red Zones for mining, and Operation Halt II will continue to support the other security services and the River Guards to protect these water bodies.
Mr. Jinapor said Government was not against small scale mining, but committed to promoting an orderly, viable, sustainable and environmentally-sound small scale mining industry which is anchored on integrity. He mentioned some
