The Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Dr. Murtala Mohammed, has dismissed claims that the government has failed in its fight against illegal mining (galamsey).
According to him, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration has been in office for only two months and has just completed appointing ministers.
Speaking on JoyNews PM Express on Monday, March 10, Dr Mohammed stated it is unfair to judge the government’s performance on galamsey when the country has been dealing with the issue for the past eight years.
He explained that the process to repeal the existing Legislative Instrument (L.I.) on mining has already begun.
Dr Mohammed stated that President John Mahama’s promises on illegal mining were based on a 120-day timeline and that the government is only halfway through that period.
“We have started the process to repeal the L.I. President Mahama made these promises anchored on 120 days. He said that within 120 days, I will do A, B, C, D. We’re on just a little over 60 days,” he explained.
He revealed that his ministry initiated the process two weeks ago, shortly after he assumed office.
“As I talk to you, the L.I. ought to be initiated from the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology. We started the process two weeks ago, barely a week after I was sworn in. I signed a letter to the Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General.
“The Ministry looked at it and did what they needed to do, and returned the letter to me for another one to be signed, which I signed last Thursday,” he stated.
He also criticised individuals who have raised concerns without first seeking accurate information from his ministry.
Dr Mohammed assured that the bill to repeal the L.I. will be laid before Parliament soon, possibly within the week, depending on the parliamentary schedule.
“It can happen this week. It can even happen tomorrow because we have budgets to be read. But one thing I can tell you is that it will happen as soon as possible,” he stated.
The minister reaffirmed that the government remains committed to fulfilling President Mahama’s 120-day pledge, stressing that all promises made within that timeframe will be delivered as planned.
“We made a promise, and it was part of the 120-day promises President Mahama made. Wait and see whether it will be delivered within that,” he assured.
