Former President John Dramani Mahama has underscored the urgent need for the country to address the environmental and economic impacts of illegal mining.
The National Democratic Congress flagbearer, speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the 3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-Scale Mining held at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani emphasized the critical role mining plays in Ghana’s economy but voiced grave concerns about the devastating effects of illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey in the country.
Mr Mahama strongly asserted that the activities of illegal mining have severely impacted the country’s natural resources and communities, posing a severe and immediate threat to the country’s environment, citizens’ health, and economy.
“We cannot afford to watch as our natural resources are plundered, and our communities suffer the consequences. Ghana, blessed with abundant natural resources, including gold, has experienced the devastating effects of illegal mining first-hand”.
Former President John Dramani Mahama
Drawing attention to the extensive damage caused by illegal mining in the country, Mr Mahama cited the polluted rivers, destroyed forests, and the resultant deprivation of clean water and fertile land at many communities in the country to underscore the urgent need for action.
He stressed that the unchecked plundering of resources cannot continue and called for a new vision that prioritizes sustainable development and responsible mining practices.
Citing both local and international examples, Mr Mahama underscored the catastrophic effects of illegal mining.
He referred to the devastated state of the Ankobra and Pra Rivers and the Atewa Forest Reserve in Ghana, as well as the tragic collapse of a dam at an illegal mining site in Brazil, which resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives to underscore the devastating impact of illegal mining.
These incidents, he argued, highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement of mining laws and regulations.
“We cannot afford to lose these precious natural resources to the greed of a few individuals”.
Former President John Dramani Mahama
The National Democratic Congress flagbearer thus called for a collective effort to develop and implement policies that ensure sustainable mining practices and hold illegal miners accountable.
This approach, he suggested, should include stricter enforcement of laws, increased investment in responsible mining technologies, and enhanced education and empowerment for small-scale miners to adopt sustainable practices.
Mr Mahama also emphasized the importance of environmental preservation and the protection of natural resources for future generations.
He advocated for bold steps to rehabilitate and restore areas affected by illegal mining and urged investment in renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on traditional mining methods.
Comprehensive Vision for Small-Scale Mining
Touching on his vision, former President John Dramani Mahama, articulated a robust vision for the future of Ghana’s small-scale mining industry during his address at the 3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-Scale Mining at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani.
Speaking to a diverse audience of faculty, staff, and students, Mr Mahama outlined a detailed plan to transform the sector into a model of sustainable and responsible mining.
“As the incoming President of the Republic, I am deeply committed to working with all stakeholders to chart a new vision for our country’s mining industry. We must ensure that Ghana’s natural resources are managed to benefit all our people, not just a few”
Former President John Dramani Mahama
Mr Mahama further acknowledged the dual role of the small-scale mining sector, which he noted provides livelihoods for thousands while also posing significant environmental and safety challenges.
He stressed the sector’s importance, noting that it employs over a million Ghanaians and serves as a vital source of income in rural areas.
However, Mr Mahama also highlighted the severe environmental degradation caused by unregulated activities, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach.
“Today, the sector stands at a crossroads, and the decisions we make or fail to make and the actions we take or fail to take will determine its role in our nation’s future”.
Former President John Dramani Mahama
Outlining his vision, Mr Mahama proposed several key initiatives, including the establishment of District Mining Offices, which he noted would be staffed by officers from the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other relevant agencies to streamline the application process for mining licenses, fostering transparency and efficiency.
Mr Mahama also proposed amending the Minerals and Mining Act to give these offices the legal authority to issue licenses, thereby decentralizing the licensing regime.
He emphasized the importance of involving mining engineers and graduates from University of Energy and Natural Resources and the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in the small-scale mining sector.
These professionals, he expressed optimism will provide guidance and support, ensuring the adoption of best practices and enhancing safety and sustainability.
The National Democratic Congress flagbearer further vowed to protect cocoa farms and forests from mining activities, expressing his commitment to ban mining in water bodies and prohibiting entry permits into forests.
Acknowledging the invaluable role of traditional leaders in local development, Mr Mahama expressed his plans to involve traditional leaders in the mining license process in their respective communities, ensuring that local interests are considered.
Furthermore, former President John Dramani Mahama called for bolstering institutions like the Minerals Commission, the EPA, and the Geological Survey Authority, emphasizing the need for laws, policies, and regulatory enforcement.
In addition, Mr Mahama called for re-categorization of the mining sector into Small-scale (SSM), Medium-scale (MSM), and Large-scale (LSM) operations, each with tailored operational, environmental, and safety requirements. This, he argued, would facilitate easier regulation and support for miners.
Mr Mahama also underscored his administration’s plans to use AI to monitor small-scale mining operations, track equipment, and “geofence” concessions to prevent unauthorized activities, in addition to establishing a special revolving fund in collaboration with the private sector to provide capital and a pool of mining equipment in gold mining districts.
He announced his administration plans to launch the Ghana Mining Excellence Centre (GMEC), which would be coordinated by the University of Environment and Natural Resources and University of Mines and Technology to foster research and innovation in responsible mining practices.
Lastly Mr Mahama announced his plans to institute the formation of mining cooperatives, which would organize community members for government support, contrasting this with the existing partisan Community Mining System, thereby urging all stakeholders to join in transforming Ghana’s small-scale mining sector into a sustainable, responsible, and prosperous industry.
Ambitious Plans for Environmental Restoration and Sustainable Mining
Moreover, former President John Dramani Mahama presented a comprehensive plan to address the environmental damage caused by illegal mining and promote sustainable mining practices during his address.
Mr Mahama’s proposals aim to rehabilitate degraded lands, restore impacted forests, and clean polluted water bodies while creating thousands of jobs in affected communities.
“We cannot overlook the years of galamsey activities that have left our country with serious legacy scars”, Mr Mahama stated, acknowledging the extensive environmental damage caused by illegal mining.
He outlined several key initiatives designed to restore the environment and foster economic growth in mining communities., including the establishment of the National Joint Action Team on Mining and Forestry.
According to Mr Mahama, the proposed establishment of a National Joint Action Team on Mining and Forestry would be a collaborative effort between the Forestry Commission, the private sector, and small-scale mining (SSM) operators to rehabilitate impacted forests.
He also emphasized that the initiative will also create thousands of jobs in the affected mining communities, highlighting the dual benefits of environmental restoration and job creation.
Again, Mr Mahama announced a Galamsey Rehabilitation Initiative aimed at converting degraded lands into commercial crop production zones, such as palm, shea nut, cocoa, and rubber plantations.
This initiative, he stated will be funded through special fees from the Minerals Commission, contributions by the SSM Association, and interested plantation companies.
Another significant proposal by the National Democratic Congress flagbearer is the #Atree4life project, which according to him will involve young people in reforestation efforts in mining areas.
Here, Mr Mahama indicated that the initiative would afford young people in mining areas the opportunity to supervise the growth of economically viable tree crops.
Additionally, Mr Mahama announced his plans to introduced the Blue Water Initiative, a partnership, he stated would exist between the Water Resources Commission, the Ghana Water Company, and development partners aimed at cleaning polluted water bodies.
This initiative, he emphasized will address the severe water pollution caused by illegal mining activities in the country.
The National Deomocratic Congress flagbearer, former President John Dramani Mahama concluded his remarks by stressing the importance of inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders, including miners, environmental groups, local communities, and the government to achieve lasting solutions to illegal mining in the country.
He emphasized that, it is only through open, honest, and inclusive dialogue that can help the country to achieve lasting solutions and build a sustainable, responsible, and prosperous small-scale mining sector in Ghana.
Mr Mahama therefore called for decisive action to end illegal mining and build a sustainable future for Ghana’s mining sector, stressing that, it is time for all stakeholders to come together and take decisive action to end illegal mining and chart a sustainable future for the country’s mining sector.
He expressed his commitment to lead the charge to build a better and prosperous Ghana when elected as President.
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