The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners, GNASSM has called on its members to come together in the fight against illegal mining in the country.
The National Communications Officer, Abdul Razack Alhassan charged the leadership of small scale miners to stay away from partisan politics and focused on the fight against illegal mining to help save the environment.
Speaking in an interview with Info Radio, Mr. Alhassan observed that the areas where illegal mining is gradually gaining grounds is the northern sector of the country, hence the need for the executives of GNASSM of the northern zone to bring all small scale miners together, educate them to help curb the danger.
Mr Alhassan expressed worry over the sudden increase in excavators and other mining equipment in the northern sector despite the absence of ports, attributing that to the intervention by politicians.
Abdul Razack Alhassan also called on authorities to review laws regarding concession agreements and mining needs in the country. He said this will make lands available for small scale miners to mine responsibly.
The prevalence of illegal mining in the country has left major water bodies polluted, destroyed many farmlands and degradation of virgin forests, and thus needs concerted efforts towards curtailing the menace.