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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 speed boats is part of measures being adopted by the 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 of the measures being taking to promote environmentally-sound small scale mining as the introduction of the mercury-free Gold Katcha and the revamping of the Community Mining Schemes.

“The Government of President Akufo-Addo is not against small-scale mining. What we are against, is any form of mining that pays no regard to the environment, that is done contrary to law and the established protocols, that threatens the lives and livelihoods of millions of our citizens, and we will not hesitate in cracking the whip on those who engage in such illegalities,” the Minister said.