The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to promote sustainable and legally compliant mining practices.
In the minister responsible for lands and natural resources Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah’s answer to question posed by the Member of parliament for Tarkwa-Nsuaem constituency, Hon. Issah Salifu Taylor on the floor of Parliament, he outlined series of targeted interventions aim at transforming the mining sector and foster environmental stewardship.
The minister’s remarks come at a critical juncture, the country is faced with the ongoing challenges posed by illegal mining activities across the country, particularly in the Takwa-Nsuaem in the Western Region.
Despite the presence of licensed small-scale miners who have adopted environmentally friendly and sustainable practices, the minister acknowledged the persistent issue of irresponsible illegal mining activities in various areas within the Takwa-Nsuaem jurisdiction.
“To help mitigate the situation and to ensure sustainable and legally compliant mining practices, the ministry, through the Minerals Commission, has put in place some interventions.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
Licence and Permit
One of the key initiatives outlined by the minister is the streamlining of the licensing and permitting regime for small-scale mining.
By shortening the time required for obtaining a small-scale mining license, the ministry aims to enhance legal compliance and encourage more miners to operate within the formal framework.
The minister also emphasized the adoption of a bottom-up approach, which involves strengthening and supporting district mining committees and small-scale mining associations. This strategy empowers local stakeholders to play a more effective role in the licensing and management of small-scale mining operations at the community level.
Block Areas for Small-Scale Mining
Another crucial intervention the minister emphasised was the demarcation of more block areas for small-scale mining.
According to the minister, the ministry is working closely with the Ghana Geological Survey Authority to identify suitable areas, conduct geological investigations, and make them available for responsible small-scale mining operations.
Illegal Miners to Cooperative Schemes
The minister responsible for lands and natural resources also highlighted the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), which aims to transition illegal mining operations into well-coordinated, community-based mining ventures.
This initiative not only promotes legal compliance but also provides alternative employment opportunities for community members, thereby boosting local economies.
To enhance the government’s oversight and enforcement capabilities, the ministry is also working to decentralize the Minerals Commission by building and expanding offices in almost every mining district across the country.
Ministry’s Commitment
Alongside these proactive measures, the minister emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to enforcement.
The deployment of 1,000 Blue-water Guards to monitor and curb illegal mining activities on river bodies, as well as ongoing training and sensitization programs for miners, underscores the ministry’s determination to combat illegal mining and promote responsible practices.
Hon. Kofi Buah since assuming office as the Minister, established a comprehensive, multi-faceted strategy to combat illegal mining.
This approach integrates stringent law enforcement measures with strategic regulatory reforms. A key initiative is the establishment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) to centralize and coordinate intelligence-led operations by security agencies, leading to arrests and the immobilization of equipment.
Furthermore, the Ministry’s track of the importation and use of heavy machinery like excavators also signifies it unwavering commitment to the fight.
Legal reforms, including the proposed Public Tribunals Bill, aim to expedite the prosecution of illegal miners, while strict policies designate forest reserves and water bodies as “red zones” that are off-limits to mining activities.
The Lands Minister’s comprehensive plan of action underscores the government’s resolute commitment to transforming the mining sector in the country.
By streamlining licensing, empowering local stakeholders, demarcating block areas, transitioning illegal miners, and strengthening enforcement, the ministry aims to foster a mining industry that is sustainable, legally compliant, and responsive to the needs of local communities.
While these interventions are implemented, the mining and extractive industry can expect to see a significant shift towards responsible and environmentally conscious practices in the Takwa-Nsuaem region and the country as a whole.
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