News:
June 10, 2013
Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central, George Kofi Arthur has predicted that Ghana may lose its enviable position as the second world largest producer of cocoa if cocoa lands are not secured.
According to him, there is a growing tendency where several lands deposited with natural resources which had cocoa planted on them are now being sold to mining companies to mine minerals.
The MP who is also the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior was contributing to a discussion on the devastating effect of small-scale mining (Galamsey) on the environment.
In recent times there has been public outcry over indiscriminate mining activities by small scale miners and especially the taking over of mining concessions across the country by Chinese people whose activities have gravely destroyed the land and other water bodies.
Hon. George Kofi Arthur stated that the current situation if not checked may cause a decline in the country’s production of cocoa realized annually.
He emphasized the need for galamsey to be restructured to ensure that its effect on the lives of people and the environment is minimized.
Hon. Kofi Arthur further alleged that some chiefs and respectable opinion leaders are deeply involved in galamsey making efforts to fight indiscriminate mining very difficult.
“I have consistently stood up against chiefs who are involved in galamsey, and this created a bad name for me in some areas, but once I’m doing the right thing I’m not bothered.
Kwadwo Anim/Ghanamps.gov.gh