Amewu dares Arm Forces to prove it's not colluding with illegal miners

Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr John Peter Amewu, has challenged the Military High Command to come clear on accusation that it has been providing protection to illegal small-scale mining firms.

Peter Amewu threw this challenge following heavy military and police presence at Geo Professional Services, a foreign mining firm, undertaking small-scale mining at Tontokrom in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region.

The security personnel at the place told the Lands Minister that they were authorised by one Lieutenant Colonel Arhin to patrol the foreign mining firm.

This came to light when the Lands Minister, Mr Amewu and his entourage toured some mining sites in the Ashanti Region ravaged by the activities of illegal mining.

Mr Amewu said his outfit had not signed any contract with the Military to provide security at any foreign mining firm.

"The Military hierarchy must come clear because they must answer questions as to how they are protecting an illegality in the country," he said.

The Lands Minister noted that the fight against galamsey would be very difficult if the law enforcement agencies that are supposed to enforce the law condone. illegality.

The Lands Minister indicated that government is not against foreigners engaging in mining activities but said they must operate within the remits of the law.

The Sector Minister John Peter Amewu ordered the arrest of four foreigners of which two are Russians and the other two Ukrainians.

The Minister said available data revealed that the foreign mining firm had been mining in the area for the past 35 years without paying royalties or taxes to the government, adding that they have also neglected their corporate social responsibilities to the host communities. The mining company was using the licences of three local firms to operate a 500 acres of land.

The local firms are K. Afriyie and Sons Precious Metal Limited, King Solomon Mining Company and Kamil Mining Company.

Story By: Michael Creg Afful

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