The media coalition against galamsey has called on the government to reveal the names of individuals and organisations financing and importing excavators used in illegal mining operations, known locally as galamsey.

The coalition says identifying those behind the heavy machinery is key to tackling the environmental devastation caused by the activity.

Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, the Coalition’s Convenor, told Citi News that recent efforts by authorities to trace excavator chassis numbers to their owners and financiers were “long overdue”.

He urged the government to go a step further by publishing the names of those involved and taking stronger action to cut off financial backing for illegal mining.

“Seventeen excavators were seized during the latest raid at Samreboi. Who imported them? Who rented them out? These are the people we need to name,” Mr Ashigbey said.

He stressed the importance of following the money trail to identify the main players driving the illegal trade, warning that without transparency and accountability, efforts to end galamsey would fall short.

Although government has signalled its intention to tackle the financial networks behind galamsey, the Coalition says progress has been too slow.

Source:TheDotNews