Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mines, George Mireku Duker, has called on the World Bank to maintain collaboration and partnership to ensure success of the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project. (GLRSSMP)

He made this revelation at a meeting between GLRSSMP, World Bank team and other stakeholders today, November 7, 2023, to on behalf of the sector minister, open the Kick-off Meeting for the last Implementation Support Mission of the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project in Accra.

With this, Mr Duker revealed that as partners, their achievements so far have been possible due to the collective efforts of the Government of Ghana, other funding partners, key implementing agencies, small-scale miners, farmers, local authority, the traditional authority, community representatives among others.

He reminded the house that together, they have laid the foundation for responsible and sustainable landscape restoration practices to thrive.

Additionally, he noted that it is imperative to continue to unite in leveraging strengths and expertise, to create an enabling environment that fosters sustainable landscape restoration and small-scale mining.

Furthermore, the deputy lands minister expressed optimism as the Kick-off Meeting for the last Implementation Support Mission commenced. He stated that the mission, unfolding from November 7-13, 2023, signifies a crucial phase in the ministry’s quest for sustainable mining practices and restoration of degraded landscapes in Ghana.

To this end, he acknowledged some remarkable achievements of the GLRSSMP since its operationalization in February 2022.

From the small-scale mining side of the project, he appreciated the efforts by the Project in collaboration with relevant implementation team, to have inaugurated and built capacity of the District Mining Committees among others.

Monitoring of land restoration in the country

Touching on landscape restoration, Mr Duker highlighted that the total land area covered with wood lot, agro-forestry, riparian vegetation, reafforestation in forest reserves, sustainable agricultural practices and efforts have been made to strengthen institutions and improve monitoring and coordination.

Moreover, he underscored that their invaluable insights would help uncover gaps and areas that require improvement.

“Now is the time to enhance our knowledge, strengthen our partnerships, and ignite positive change in the country…”
George Mireku Duker

On behalf of the sector minister and that of MESTI, Mr Duker expressed gratitude to the World Bank and the Project Coordinating Units (PCUs) for organizing the biannual Implementation Support Mission.

He indicated it is evident, that under the able leadership of President Akufo-Addo and the sector ministers, Samuel A. Jinapor (MLNR) and Dr. Kwaku Afriyie (MESTI), the government is doing its part in restoring landscape and putting the ASM, Agricultural and the Forestry sectors on a responsible and sustainable path.

“Your support and collaboration have been invaluable in monitoring the progress of the project and identifying any issues or risks that may hinder its timely and effective completion”.
George Mireku Duker

On her part, the Senior Natural Resources Management Specialist with the World Bank, Madhavi M. Pillai, stated that the Bank’s mission is to set right all issues and see how best they can make progress on both aspects of the project in question.

She was of the view that for the full success of the entire project, the two halves of the project, thus, the Small Scale and Artisanal Mining part and the Landscape Restoration part must both see progress which can be achieved through constant communication among parties.