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Western Regional Minister and Member of Paliament for Sefwi Wiawso, Hon. Dr. Kwaku Afiryie, has urged the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to revoke lincenses for small-scale miners.

He says this will enable them regulate the activities of small-scale miners when the ban is eventually lifted.

Passionately speaking about the dire effects of small-scale mining on Okay FM's Ade Akye Abia programme, Dr Afriyie explained that the small-scale miners are using their licenses as a bargaining chip against the government in curbing the galamsey fight.

"They are applying what is known as the subterfuge method and playing with the emotions of Ghanaians and those affected by the galamsey ban. When you allow them to do that, the fight against the menace becomes difficult because you have families whose livelihood have been affected by the ban," he said.

Dr Afriyie further noted that there is no law that forbids the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources from revoking those licenses, adding that he owes them even no explanation if he decides to do so.

Touching on the worrying issue of the importation of excavators into the system, which he believes has contributed to the vast degradation of forest reserves and water bodies, the former health minister called on government to introduce a policy on the use of the equipment in the country.

"When you go to these mining areas there are plenty excavators, sometimes I can count as many as five hundred. What are they doing there? They should be set ablaze by the government when they are arrested by the government task force because the destruction these machines can cause, you have no idea," he added.

Meanwhile, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has given the assurance that his government will soon put out a statement setting out a comprehensive roadmap, including the lifting of the ban on small-scale mining.

This he said is to deal with, on a permanent basis, the grave threat of galamsey to the present and future health of Ghana.

The comprehensive roadmap, according to the President, will involve the reclaiming and re-afforestation of mined-out areas; the restoration of impacted water bodies; and strict supervision of the processes of awarding mining licenses and associated permits.