Lands and Natural Resources Ministry in a swift response to the former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has firmly rejected her proposal to place a moratorium on all mining activities, citing the need to balance environmental protection with the country’s economic interests.
While the Ministry acknowledged the former Chief Justice’s valid concerns over the environmental degradation and water pollution caused by illegal mining otherwise known as “galamsey,” it cautioned that a complete cessation of all mining operations could have severe economic consequences for the country.
Paa Kwesi Schandorf, the Media Relations Officer for the Ministry, emphasized, that the government is advancing steps to end the menace hence, there is no need to halt the entire activity.
“The laws that we have now permit mining except that they do not endorse illegal mining, so what we are fighting is not the whole enterprise of mining, but illegal mining activities, and the government will stay on that course,”
Paa Kwesi Schandorf, the Media Relations Officer
Environmental Protection and Economic Realities
The Ministry’s stance underscores the delicate balance that the country must strike between safeguarding its natural resources and harnessing the economic potential of the extractive industry.
Schandorf clarified that the government’s focus is not on ending mining altogether, but on eradicating the illegal and irresponsible mining activities that pose threat to the environment and local communities.
Ghana’s abundant natural resource wealth, particularly its gold and diamond deposits, have long been a source of both economic prosperity and environmental degradation.
The proliferation of illegal mining has exacerbated the problem, leading to widespread ecosystem damage and water pollution across the country.
It is against this backdrop that former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo’s call for a blanket ban on all forms of mining activities must be understood, as she sought to address the pressing environmental concerns plaguing the nation.
“Her suggestion is coming from a good place, given the fact that she is equally concerned about the devastation of the environment, except that you cannot place a hold on all mining activities as of now. Because mining, as we all know, is a very lucrative economic enterprise that continues to drive our economic advancement.”
Paa Kwesi Schandorf, the Media Relations Officer
Lawful Mining Practices
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has maintained its commitment to environmental protection, while acknowledging the economic importance of the mining sector. As Schandorf emphasized, the country’s legal framework does not warrant a total ban on all forms of mining, and that the fight is not about all forms of mining activities but rather the irresponsible mining activities i.e galamsey.
The Ministry’s response to Akuffo’s proposal highlights the complex web of interests and considerations at play in the country’s extractive industry.
While the former Chief Justice’s call for a moratorium stemmed from a genuine concern for the environment, the Ministry’s stance underscores the need to carefully weigh the economic implications of such a drastic measure.
Moving forward, the government must continue to engage with all stakeholders, including the mining industry, environmental stewardship advocates, and the local communities, to chart a path that delivers sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
While the country navigates the nuances of its natural resource governance, the Ministry’s rejection of a blanket ban on mining signals a pragmatic approach that seeks to balance the pressing environmental concerns with the country’s economic realities which in actual sense, must be offered a benefit of doubt.
By focusing on combating illegal mining activities while promoting responsible and lawful practices, the government aims to unlock the full potential of the extractive sector while safeguarding the nation’s invaluable natural assets not just for the present but future generations.
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