Participants of the conference including the Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, in a group photo
Source: Africa Publicity
In a significant move, the Ghanaian government has convened a conference to tackle the pressing issue of destructive small-scale mining operations in the country. The event, held at the Kempinski Hotel, brought together key stakeholders, including Her Excellency, Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Alban Bagbin, and other dignitaries.
The conference, themed “Restoring a Culture of Proper Small-Scale Mining in Ghana,” aims to address the devastating impact of unlawful and careless small-scale mining operations on the country’s environment, economy, and communities.
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, in an address at the conference bemoaned that “the destruction of our lands, forests, and waterways as a result of unlawful and careless small-scale mining operations is one of the most urgent issues confronting our country and today is a critical milestone in our joint effort to address it.”
According to him, “small-scale mining, when done responsibly and within the framework of the law, is not the enemy.”
However, he said the problem lies in the illegal and unregulated activities that have taken hold, driven by greed and disregard for the environment.
The government has committed to fighting this menace, recognizing that it requires a collective effort from all stakeholders. To this end, the conference seeks to sensitize and orient Members of Parliament on the effects of small-scale mining activities and equip them with the knowledge and tools to lead the charge in their respective constituencies.
Key strategies to address the crisis include:
– *Strengthening enforcement efforts*: Intensifying collaboration with security agencies to clamp down on illegal mining operations and arrest perpetrators.
– *Stakeholder engagements*: Undertaking broad stakeholder engagements with Chiefs, Media, and youth groups to promote responsible small-scale mining practices.
– *Reviewing licensing regime*: Streamlining the licensing process to ensure that only those who meet legal and environmental requirements are granted permits.
– *Proposing a local permitting and policing unit*: Expanding DISEC membership to include EPA, Forestry, Water Resources, and Minerals Commission with reps from traditional authorities.
The conference is a critical milestone in Ghana’s efforts to restore a culture of proper small-scale mining practices. With the government’s commitment and the collective effort of all stakeholders, Ghana can overcome this environmental and economic crisis and ensure a sustainable future for its citizens.
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