The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has stated that she cannot confirm whether politicians and politically exposed persons are making the fight against illegal mining difficult.
Speaking in an interview on she stated that she has not personally witnessed any such interference and cannot rely on hearsay.
she said.
Asked whether she would yield to pressure if she received a call to release a political figure involved in illegal mining, she dismissed the possibility.
she stated.
According to her, she has not come across any case involving illegal mining on her desk.
she stressed.
The minister added that the party hierarchy is actively involved in the fight against illegal mining, making it difficult for any individual to bypass established protocols.
she asserted.
She also dismissed allegations that illegal miners funded her political campaign and contributed to her rise.
she stated.
Meanwhile, she reiterated that a task force will soon be deployed to enforce mining regulations in the region.
she assured.