Osah Mills Promises To Eradicate Galamsey

The Minister designate for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Nii Osah Mills yesterday told the Appointment Committee in Parliament that he would partner with the stakeholders to eradicate illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. According to him, illegal mining has damaged the nation�s natural resources, resulting in land degradation and pollution of body waters. Appearing before the legislative body to answer question on how he would manage his ministry if given the nod, he said he would enforce the existing laws by using the taskforce and partner with the chiefs to fight galamsey. Mr. Nii Osah Mills, who is a former President of the Ghana Bar Association, also stated that educating the citizenry on the negative impact of the �illegality� would also go a long way to ensure the eradication, if not drastically reduce the practice. Responding to a question posed on conflicts of land ownership, he noted that he would build on the existing land administration project to ensure proper demarcation of land, acquisition and ownership, using the Survey Department. In a related development, the Minister designate for the Upper East Region, Mr. James Zuuga Tiigah, who also appeared before the committee, pledged to promote tourism in the region, as a way to eradicate poverty. According to him, the region has tourism potentials, which if properly managed would attract tourists to the area and create jobs and revenue for the people. Mr. James Zuuga Tiigah, who was responding to a question from a member of the committee on how to eradicate poverty in his area, said he would create a website, where they would sell the tourist sites to the world. He also told the committee that he would be partnering with the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies on how to come out with other constructive and innovative ideas to eradicate poverty in the Upper East Region. Touching on women empowerment programme, Mr. James Zuuga Tiigah pledged that he would support every initiative that seeks to empower women. Earlier on the floor of the House, the Honourable Minister for Youth, Culture and Sports, Mahama Ayariga, told members that a three member committee had been set up by President Mahama to investigate activities before, during and after Ghana�s participation in the ongoing world cup. The members are Justice Seenyo Dzamefe, Justice of the Court of Appeal, Mr. Moses Foh Amoanning, lawyer and sports Administrator and Kofi Anokye Owusu Darko, Banker and Sports enthusiast. According to him, the committee which has been tasked to come out with its recommendations after 30 working days is expected to look into five different areas. The areas are, to inquire into matters relating to Black Stars Team�s preparation for the tournament and possible lapses therein, which might have caused their earlier exit, management of the stars team and events in their camp, during the tournament and treatment of Ghanaian football fans. The rest are, advice government on the financing of activities of the senior National team and other national team and to inquire into all other related matters of public interest concerning the organization of stars in the tournament.