The National House of Chiefs has urged the government to take immediate steps to abolish any laws or policies that allow mining in forest reserves in the country.
President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, speaking on behalf of the group expressed the need for the government to repeal the Legislative Instrument (L.I) 2462), Environmental Protection Mining in Forest Reserves Regulations which formed the basis for mining in forest reserves.
He complained that despite the formulation of several policies on mining in the country, the various regulatory institutions in the country have failed to ensure the full implementation of these policies and mechanisms that would have ensured the country received more economic benefit from the mining activities in the country.
“The policy on mining in the forest reserves was well-intended but the result so far shows beneficiaries have not been sincere enough. Those who were given prospecting licenses are taking active mining. Government and its related agencies like the Forestry Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Mineral Commission cannot implement the policy in a manner to achieve its intended purpose”.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II
National House Of Chiefs Demand Inclusion In Ghana’s Mining Regulatory Regime
Furthermore, the traditional ruler and Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II stressed the need for the government to review the current mining regulatory regime and include traditional leaders across the country.
Highlighting the dangers of illegal mining activities on the country’s ecosystem among others, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II strongly asserted that traditional leaders across the country can play a significant role in addressing the menace.
“Without the active participation of traditional authorities, the fight against galamsey will not succeed. The government should collaborate with traditional authorities draw up a detailed plan and provide adequate resources to halt galamsey and the menace associated with it.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II
The position of the National House of Chiefs on mining regulations in the country follows calls by the Media Coalition Against Galamsey and OccupyGhana for the need for the Parliament of Ghana to immediately pass legislation to criminalize mining and mining-related activities in forest reserves across the country.
The group statement indicated that the existence of the Legislative Instrument (L.I) 2462 has ‘emboldened’ the recent applications from some mining companies to undertake mining activities in some of the country’s major forest reserves.
The group thus recommended that any decision on the ‘cessation’ of forest reserves should first be made on the advice of the Forestry Commission and Lands Commission to ensure that the government does not ‘evade’ the aims of the proposed law by simply revoking the status of the current forest reserves.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Honorable Stephen Asamoah Boateng has called on all traditional leaders in the country to collaborate with the various relevant stakeholders in protecting customary lands in the country.
According to the former Member of Parliament for Mfantsiman West constituency of the Central region and former Minister for Local Government Rural Development and Environment, Tourism and Diaspora Relations, such an initiative would help reduce the many instances of land disputes in the country.
“I’d like to urge Nananom to reconsider availing their respective counsels for the customary lands secretariat management system that was espoused under the law administration project implemented by the government several years ago. This proposal is part of efforts to address the challenge of land governance in Ghana. This appeal is to encourage you to use your influence on authority to prevent and resolve land disputes and promote peace and development”.
Stephen Asamoah Boateng
READ ALSO: Adutwum Eulogizes Teachers For Students Remarkable Performance In 2022/23 WASSCE
