Samuel Abudulai Jinapor, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has boldly declared that the Nana Addo-led administration is fully committed to addressing the urgent problem of illegal sand mining that is wreaking havoc on the Ketu South municipality.
Responding to a Parliamentary inquiry posed by the concerned Member of Parliament for Ketu South regarding measures to regulate sand mining and reclaim affected communities, Samuel Jinapor revealed that the Ho office of the minerals commission has identified Ketu South as a hotspot for illegal sand extraction and subsequent illicit exportation.
Jinapor stressed that concerted efforts are underway, with the minerals commission collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies to apprehend and prosecute those engaged in illegal sand mining activities.
Moreover, the commission has initiated comprehensive education and sensitization programs aimed at enlightening sand miners on the necessity of obtaining proper licensing and operating within the bounds of the law.
Highlighting progress made thus far, Minister Jinapor disclosed that a significant number of individuals previously involved in unauthorized sand mining have responded positively to the education campaigns by applying for restricted mining leases, thereby expressing their intent to mine legally. These applications are currently under review by the minerals commission.
However, acknowledging the grave environmental ramifications of unchecked illegal mining, compounded by the unlawful exportation of sand to neighboring Togo, Minister Jinapor announced a decisive measure.
In conjunction with the Minerals and Mining Support Services Regulations, the commission, in collaboration with the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC), has imposed a blanket moratorium on all sand mining activities—both legal and illegal—within the Ketu South municipality.
This moratorium is aimed at facilitating the reclamation of degraded areas and restoring environmental equilibrium.
Jinapor emphasized that the government remains resolute in its determination to safeguard the natural resources of Ketu South and ensure sustainable development for its inhabitants.