Ken Ashigbey has revealed that some assemblies are collecting levies from illegal miners in the country, a practice he described as wrong and against the law. According to Ashigbey, officials who collect fees from galamsey operators are breaking the law and must face sanctions.
Collecting Levies from Galamseyers is Wrong, Says Ashigbey
Ashigbey, a convener of the anti-galamsey campaign, made this statement citing Act 995 of the Minerals and Mining Act. He emphasized that the law also talks about somebody facilitating the illegalities and being equally guilty. "Collecting levies from galamseyers is wrong; sanctions must be enforced," Ashigbey said.
The practice of collecting levies from galamsey sites has been a contentious issue in mining communities across the country. According to reports, not only assemblies but traditional councils and chiefs are collecting huge sums of money from galamseyers on a regular basis.
Big Mining Companies Share Responsibility, Says Ashigbey
Ashigbey believes that big mining companies are equally responsible for the galamsey menace. He thinks that these companies should be held accountable for their role in perpetuating the problem. According to Ashigbey, the common belief that illegal mining sites are the sole responsibility of the operators is a misconception.
The Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 995), outlines the laws governing the mining sector in Ghana. The Act makes it clear that anyone who facilitates the activities of illegal miners will be held accountable. However, the law has not been effectively enforced, leading to the proliferation of galamsey sites across the country.
DCEs Involved in Galamsey Tax Should Face Prosecution
Ashigbey has also called for the prosecution of District Chief Executives (DCEs) who are involved in collecting taxes from galamsey operators. He believes that these officials are complicit in the illegal activities and should face the full force of the law. "Tax For Galamsey Halted: Ing. Ken Ashigbey thinks the DCEs involved in the tax for galamsey should be prosecuted," a report from Joy News TV said.
The anti-galamsey campaign has been a contentious issue in the country, with many stakeholders having different opinions on how to tackle the problem. While some have called for the use of force to flush out galamsey operators, others have advocated for a more nuanced approach that takes into account the complexities of the issue.
The Way Forward
Ashigbey's revelations have sparked a renewed debate on the issue of galamsey and the role of local assemblies in perpetuating the problem. The government has promised to take action against officials who are involved in collecting levies from galamsey operators. However, many are skeptical about the government's ability to effectively enforce the law and bring those responsible to justice.
The future of the anti-galamsey campaign hangs in the balance, with many stakeholders waiting to see how the government will respond to Ashigbey's revelations. One thing is clear, however: the fight against galamsey is far from over, and it will take a concerted effort from all stakeholders to bring an end to the menace.
Source: 3News
