Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has outlined a comprehensive plan by the Mahama administration to tackle illegal mining, known as galamsey.
Speaking on the government’s efforts on The Point of View on Channel One TV on Wednesday, the Ellembelle MP emphasised key measures aimed at addressing the environmental and social challenges posed by galamsey.
Decentralising mining licensing
Buah highlighted the importance of decentralising the mining licensing process to empower district-level authorities.
“We want to make sure we decentralise mining licensing. It must start at the district,” he stated.
He explained that the District Security Council (DISEC), in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission, would play a central role in recommending licenses, which would then be approved in Accra.
Political Will at the Top
The Minister stressed President John Dramani Mahama has indicated strong leadership and accountability in the fight against galamsey.
“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 also emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring that all offenders, regardless of status, face the full rigors of the law.
Policy Reforms
Buah announced a review of licensing processes to eliminate favouritism and ensure transparency.
“We can’t be giving political licenses, we can’t be licensing cronies without following the processes,” he stated.
The reforms aim to sanitise the system and promote fairness in the mining sector.
Tree for Life and Blue Water Guards
The Lands Minister also said the government is also engaging stakeholders to foster collaboration in the fight against galamsey.
Environmental initiatives such as the “Tree for Life” programme and the deployment of “Blue Water Guards” are being introduced to rehabilitate degraded lands and protect water bodies.
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