On, Tuesday 26th July, 2022, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor joined the chiefs and people of Ahanta Traditional Area, to commission a Weighbridge at Apemenyim in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.
Over the years, weak enforcement of bulk haulage activities have resulted in huge revenue losses to the State, and rapid deterioration of roads due to overloading.
This Weighbridge, as well as those constructed on the mining sites of Ghana Manganese Company in Nsuta, and Ghana Bauxite Company in Awaso, will help government track and monitor the exact volumes of manganese and bauxite transported from the mines to the Port. This will ensure that haulage vehicles carry the right quantities, and the State and mining communities get their just due from the minerals exported.
From Apemenyim, the Minister joined the Chiefs and people of Beposo to commission five (5) speed boats as part of efforts to find a lasting solution to the pollution of our water bodies from illegal mining activities.
The six-point-five metre (6.5m) Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIB) will be deployed on Rivers Ankobrah, Prah, Birim and the Black Volta, and will operate day and night, to rid these water bodies of any form of mining.
According to him, Illegal mining activities on water bodies threaten the lives and livelihood of the millions of people who depend on these water bodies, and the nation at large.
“This is why water bodies remain Red Zones for mining and will not relent on our efforts to protect these water bodies”, he said.
The Government of President Akufo-Addo, the Minister said remains committed to building a viable, orderly, sustainable and environmentally-sound small scale mining industry which is anchored on integrity, and which contributes meaningfully to the national economy, as well as an efficient management and utilisation of the mineral resources for the benefit of the Ghanaian people.
