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The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has detailed an extensive strategy by the Mahama administration to tackle illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Speaking on The Point of View on Channel One TV on Wednesday, the Ellembelle MP outlined key measures aimed at addressing both the environmental and social impacts of illegal mining.
Decentralising Mining Licensing
Buah underscored the significance of decentralising the mining licensing process to give district authorities greater control.
“We want to make sure we decentralise mining licensing. It must start at the district,” he stated.
He elaborated that the District Security Council (DISEC), working alongside the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission, would be responsible for recommending mining licenses, which would then receive final approval in Accra.
Political Will at the Top
The Minister emphasized President John Dramani Mahama’s strong stance on accountability in the fight against illegal mining.
“When the President says to everybody that if you are in my government and you are caught in galamsey, you’re going to face the same punishment as every Ghanaian, we will not shield you. That is leadership,” Buah remarked.
He reiterated the administration’s dedication to ensuring that anyone involved in galamsey, regardless of their position, faces the full force of the law.
Policy Reforms
Buah also announced a review of the licensing process to enhance transparency and eliminate favoritism.
“We can’t be giving political licenses, we can’t be licensing cronies without following the processes,” he stated.
The proposed reforms are aimed at creating a fair and accountable system in the mining sector.
Tree for Life and Blue Water Guards
In addition to policy changes, the Minister revealed that the government is engaging stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in combating illegal mining.
Environmental initiatives such as the “Tree for Life” program and the deployment of “Blue Water Guards” are being introduced to restore degraded lands and safeguard water bodies.
This comprehensive approach, Buah emphasized, demonstrates the Mahama administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges of illegal mining while promoting environmental sustainability.
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