The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has demonstrated its commitment to the fight against illegal mining and environmental protection by collaborating with the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology to establish a committee aimed at reforming and sanitising the mining sector.
The 18-member committee, chaired by Professor Oteng Ababio of the University of Ghana, has been given a two-week deadline to develop a comprehensive strategy that will serve as the foundation for reforming Ghana’s mining sector.
The committee’s terms of reference include reviewing the mining industry’s licensing regime and procedures, assessing mining activities in forest reserves, suggesting methods to stop mining in water bodies and proposing solutions to address other challenges facing the sector.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, recognized the mining sector as a critical component of Ghana’s economic development. He stressed that efforts must be focused on eliminating excesses within the sector to ensure it provides maximum benefit.
The committee, composed of highly competent individuals with the technical expertise needed to fight illegal mining and transform the sector, is expected to play a key role in this endeavour.
The Minister lamented the extensive damage caused to Ghana’s river and forest resources, noting that 15% (44) of the country’s 288 forest reserves have been affected by illegal mining activities.
About a presentation by institutions in the Water and Resources sector, Mr Buah expressed concern over the alarming contamination of water sources, noting that the water being consumed by Ghanaians is nearly poisonous. He emphasized that radical measures are needed to address this issue.
The Minister also reiterated President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to restore the quality and natural state of the country’s water bodies and forest reserves, affirming that this goal would be achieved.
Buah expressed confidence in the committee members, who he believes will dedicate their time and resources to deliver an effective blueprint to help mitigate the destructive effects of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, emphasized that the challenge of illegal mining and the protection of Ghana’s forests and water bodies is multifaceted and requires a multi-pronged approach. He stated that with broad stakeholder collaboration, Ghana will successfully tackle the galamsey problem under President Mahama’s leadership.
Nana Agyeman Badu II, Dormahene and representative of the National House of Chiefs commended the government’s efforts and assured of the unwavering support of Traditional Authorities in the fight against illegal mining. He also expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to fulfil its mandate and assured the Ministries’ continued support.
Professor Oteng Ababio, the Chairman of the committee, thanked the Ministers for their commitment, assured them of the committee’s quality work, and pledged to meet the two-week deadline.
The committee includes experts from the following organizations:
- The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice
- Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology
- Forestry Commission
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Minerals Commission
- Centre for Extractive Development – Africa (CEDA), representing Civil Society
- Ghana Chamber of Mines
- Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners
- Water Resources Commission
- The Ghana Armed Forces
- The Ghana Police Service
- National House of Chiefs
- Lands Commission
- Ghana Geological Survey Authority
- Technical Directors from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources – Mines, Forestry, and Lands
