The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of mining, George Mireku Duker has clapped back at Organized Labour for their call to ban mining activities in Ghana following the increasing rate of illegal mining activities.

According to him, their call cannot be taken.

Organized Labour has added their voice to the increasing calls from groups and individuals to ban mining activities by the government and even threatened to go on strike if the government fails to heed to their call.

However, the Tarkwa Nsuaem Legislator, George Mireku Duker has said Organized Labour’s call to ban mining is misdirected and cannot be taken.

Speaking at the commissioning of a community mining at Meretweso in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality of the Central Region, George Mireku Duker questioned the role and concerns by Organized Labour when former President John Mahama promised illegal miners of their support when voted into power.

"I believe the NDC is behind the numerous calls to ban mining," he added

He said the Akufo-Addo led administration has put number of measures in place to fight galamsey by introducing operation vanguard where security forces were deployed to protect water bodies and forest reserves.

Government cannot ban mining because of illegal mining but is committed to put pragmatic measures in place to ensure water resources and forest reserves are protected from these illegal activities.

"Do we ban animal farming whenever there is an outbreak of swine flu or any animal related diseases? No, We just put down measures to mitigate or eliminate them. Same thing is been applied to mining," he added.

Hon. Mireku Duker said the concerns raised by Organized Labour is genuine due to the negative impact on water bodies and environment.

However, banning mining is not the solution and is therefore calling on all Ghanaians to come together and support the government in the fight against galamsey.