Ghana’s Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called for collective action against illegal mining, which harms the country’s environment and resources. During a conference aimed at educating lawmakers, she highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration for enforcing regulations. Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin and Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah reinforced the commitment to tackle illegal mining and urged MPs to act decisively in their constituencies.
In a recent address, Ghana’s Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, emphasized the critical need for a united front against illegal mining, which significantly harms the nation’s water bodies, farmlands, and forests. At the inaugural Parliamentarians’ Conference on Restoring the Culture of Proper Small-Scale Mining, she appealed to lawmakers and traditional leaders for their support in regulatory efforts. The conference aimed to inform Members of Parliament about the adverse environmental and economic impacts of mining and prepare them for leadership in their local areas.
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang noted that the government is pursuing a multi-stakeholder strategy to promote responsible small-scale mining, aimed at economic benefit while preserving environmental integrity. She underscored the importance of ongoing collaborations with key stakeholders such as security agencies and traditional authorities to enhance enforcement and rehabilitate areas affected by mining activities.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin cautioned against involvement in illegal mining activities, stating that any Member of Parliament found engaging in such acts would face significant legal ramifications. He reaffirmed Parliament’s dedication to addressing the issue effectively.
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, highlighted the necessity of addressing not only the small-scale miners but also the financiers and prominent individuals who support illegal mining operations. He called on Members of Parliament to actively combat this issue within their jurisdictions. Furthermore, he mentioned the ministry’s efforts to collaborate with security forces to reinforce enforcement initiatives and to review the licensing framework governing mining activities.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga reiterated the importance of Parliament’s unity in addressing illegal mining, emphasizing that such activities often occur within communities, necessitating grassroots engagement and action.
In conclusion, Ghana’s leadership is calling for cohesive efforts to tackle the challenges posed by illegal mining. The Vice President’s appeal to lawmakers and traditional leaders highlights the significant environmental and economic stakes involved. By engaging multiple stakeholders and emphasizing community involvement, the government seeks to promote responsible mining practices that safeguard natural resources while fostering economic growth. Authorities remain committed to holding individuals accountable and strengthening regulations within the sector.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
