The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC),John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a comprehensive plan to decentralize mining regulatory agencies across districts in his next administration in strategic move to revolutionize the mining sector and bolster environmental protection.
The National Democratic Congress flagbearer during two-day tour of the Eastern Region, where he addressed miners and timber merchants at Akyem Nsutem in the Fanteakwa South district indicated that the primary objective of his proposal is to streamline licensing procedures and enhance the supervision of mining activities at the local level.
According to Mr Mahama, under such plan, his administration would establish district mining offices in every mining district which will ultimately play a pivotal role in registering all excavators and monitoring ongoing mining operations.
“Every district will have a district mining office, and in the district mining office, we will have a minerals commission officer and an environmental protection agency officer. If you want to apply for a mining license, you apply to your district office. When you are mining, they will supervise to make sure you are doing the right thing.
John Dramani Mahama
Mahama To Employ Graduate To Provide Assistance To Small-Scale Miners
To further strengthen the regulatory framework, former President John Dramani Mahama revealed that his administration when elected in to office would engage graduates from the University of Mines and Technology to provide valuable support and guidance to small-scale miners across the country.
Mr Mahama further emphasized that the role of the various graduates from the University of Mines and Technology that his government would employed if elected into power in 2025 is to focus on fostering adherence to best practices that prioritize the protection of river bodies and forests across the country.
According to Mr Mahama, he is very optimistic that such a move would go a long way to reduce if not eliminate the destruction of the various water bodies in the country due to the activities of illegal mining.
“Aside from that, we will employ the graduates of the University of Mining and Technology in Tarkwa. Everybody who has a small-scale concession and is mining, we will attach those young mining engineers to you so that they will teach you how to go about mining safely.”
John Dramani Mahama
Highlighting his commitment to environmental sustainability, Mr Mahama also disclosed plans to employ the youth in reclamation efforts, concentrating on growing trees in mined areas to restore ecological balance.
According to Mr Mahama such initiative reflects a broader vision for responsible mining practices that not only exploit natural resources but also actively contribute to the restoration and preservation of the environment.
Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress flagbearer for the 2024 general elections received pledges of support from the miners and timber merchants present at Akyem Nsutem during his address.
In their appeal, the group emphasized the need for policies that expedite the licensing regime in mining while safeguarding the small-scale mining sector, which is considered the backbone of the local economy.
On the other hand, the chief of Akyem Nsutem, Osabarima Baafi Sarpong Kumankuma, took the opportunity to appeal to political leaders to ensure that the 2024 election becomes a peaceful process.
According to the traditional leader, his call for a peaceful electoral environment underscores the importance of political stability in fostering sustainable development in every country.
READ ALSO: Sammy Gyamfi Accuses NPP Government Of Institutionalizing Corruption
