Ghana’s Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang stressed the urgent need for unified action against illegal mining, which adversely impacts the environment. At the Parliamentarians’ Conference, she called for collaboration between legislators and traditional authorities to ensure proper mining practices. Key leaders reinforced the importance of targeting not just miners but also the financial backers of illegal operations to restore affected ecosystems.
Ghana’s Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called for a unified effort to tackle the crisis of illegal mining that severely affects the nation’s ecosystems, including water bodies and forests. During the inaugural Parliamentarians’ Conference on Restoring the Culture of Proper Small-Scale Mining, she urged lawmakers and traditional leaders to collaborate in governmental regulation initiatives. The conference sought to inform Members of Parliament (MPs) about the detrimental environmental and economic repercussions of unregulated mining activities.
The Vice President underscored the government’s commitment to a multi-stakeholder strategy aimed at promoting responsible small-scale mining practices. She stressed the significance of coordinating with security forces and local authorities to enhance enforcement measures, ensuring that mining operations benefit both the economy and the environment. Furthermore, plans are in motion to rehabilitate damaged lands as part of the initiative to restore affected areas.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin warned that MPs engaging in illegal mining activities would face legal repercussions, reinforcing Parliament’s dedication to addressing this critical issue. The urgency of combating illegal operations was a recurring theme, highlighting the need for accountability within the legislature.
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized that the approach should target not only small-scale miners but also the financial backers of illegal mining in the country. He called upon MPs to take proactive measures within their constituencies to address this challenge effectively, as illegal mining poses a significant threat to local environments and communities.
Additionally, Buah mentioned that the ministry is intensifying enforcement collaborations with security agencies and revising licensing processes to enhance mining governance. Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga reiterated the necessity for Parliament’s coherent support, underscoring that illegal mining often occurs in communities, thereby necessitating grassroots interventions.
The call for a united fight against illegal mining in Ghana reflects the pressing need to protect the country’s natural resources and communities. With the support of lawmakers and local leaders, the government aims to implement effective regulations and rehabilitation efforts. Prioritizing not only small-scale miners but also their financiers is crucial in combating this pervasive issue. The commitment from various officials highlights the importance of addressing illegal mining through coordinated enforcement and grassroots action.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
