The Convenor of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, Ing Kenneth Ashigbey, has called on authorities to identify and prosecute individuals behind the importation of 14 containers of illegal mining equipment intercepted at the Tema Port.
Speaking on JoyNews Pulse on Tuesday, February 17, Ing Ashigbey commended the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the seizure but stressed the need to expose those responsible for bringing the prohibited machines into the country.
He warned that the importation of the changfang machines widely associated with illegal mining activities poses a serious threat to the country’s environment and communities.
“We definitely need to know those who are behind this. We should not allow people to hide behind claims that the equipment is for agriculture,” he said.
Mr Ashigbey compared the situation to controlled substances such as cocaine, which may have legitimate uses but are restricted because of their harmful impact.
According to him, the importation of 14 containers of the machines raises serious concerns about regulatory enforcement and intelligence at Ghana’s ports.
He questioned how such equipment could enter the country despite existing regulations, noting that even excavators require prior clearance before shipment.
The media advocate also expressed concern that some local assemblies are allegedly permitting the use of such equipment, which he said has contributed to environmental destruction in several communities.
Mr Ashigbey therefore urged authorities to intensify monitoring at entry points, particularly the ports, to prevent illegal mining equipment from entering the system.
“If we want to stop it, let’s stop it at the ports. Don’t let it come into the system,” he stressed.
He further called on the media and state institutions to remain vigilant and ensure sustained enforcement actions following the seizure.
Mr Ashigbey added that tackling illegal mining requires targeting those who import and finance the equipment used in such activities, rather than focusing only on operators on the ground.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com