Naana Jane Beckons MPs To Join Galamsey Fight

The Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has appealed to Members of Parliament, especially those in the mining enclaves to join the renewed efforts being made by the John Mahama government to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in the country.

Speaking at the Parliamentarians Conference on “Restoring the Culture of Small-Scale Mining in Ghana”, in Accra yesterday, Professor Opoku-Agyemang argued that parliamentarians must see themselves as key stakeholders in the fight against the menace and provide the needed support to the government.

She told the MPs that Ghana’s three river basins, forty-four forest reserves and water bodies are being destroyed by indiscriminate mining activities and that they must all join forces with the government to handle the situation.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang contended that a unified front was needed to reverse the degradation and destruction of the Ghanaian environment and made a passionate appeal to parliamentarians and other stakeholders to complement government’s efforts.

Speaking on the theme, “Restoring a Culture of Proper Small-Scale Mining in Ghana,” the Vice President noted that the seminar was a timely and crucial step in putting the brakes on illegal mining activities in the country, and collective efforts will be extremely consequential in turning the tide when it comes to galamsey operations in the country.

“Over the years, we have witnessed an alarming level of environmental degradation caused by illegal and irresponsible mining practices. Our forests are being degraded; our water bodies are being heavily polluted, rendering our lands barren.

“This is not only threatening our ecosystem, but has also jeopardised the livelihoods of many communities that depend on these natural resources. All three water-basin systems in the country are under threat!

“We have lost forty-four of our forest reserves to illegal mining activities, and it will cost us several hundred thousands to reclaim. The public outcry on this issue is a testament to the urgency with which we must act.

“You, our Honourable Members, are not only lawmakers, but also the direct representatives of the people most affected by the impact of mining activities. We have seen the effects of pollution of our water bodies in the very communities we oversee – babies born with birth defects, stillbirths and the like. It is, therefore, fitting that we convene here today to engage in meaningful dialogue and orientation on how we can collectively tackle this national concern.

“The Government of Ghana recognizes that restoring responsible mining practices requires a multi-stakeholder approach. This is why we have outlined deliberate steps to curb illegal mining, regulate the sector effectively and ensure that small-scale mining is conducted in a manner that benefits the economy and the local communities without compromising our environment.

“We appreciate that this is a battle that cannot be fought by the government alone, and we acknowledge the crucial role of Parliament in shaping policies, providing oversight, and ensuring compliance within the constituencies you serve,” she said.

In a his Opening Statement,  Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, minister for Lands and Natural Resources  called for urgent action to restore responsible small-Scale mining in Ghana, emphasising the need to protect the country’s natural resources and water bodies.

“One of the most pressing issues facing our country today is the sustainable management of our natural resources and hydrology,” Armah-Kofi Buah stated, adding “at the heart of this challenge is the need to revive a culture of responsible, multi-scale mining.”

He expressed concern over the destruction of forests, degradation of farmlands and pollution of rivers, highlighting the widespread public outcry over these issues.

The minister urged lawmakers to take decisive action, stressing that the consequences of inaction could be dire for both present and future generations.

“Our destiny, my friends, is in our hands. It is deeply unsettling to reflect on the environmental devastation we have witnessed over the past two decades,” he said.

The conference brought together key stakeholders, including parliamentarians, environmental experts, and industry players, to discuss sustainable solutions for Ghana’s small-scale mining sector.

The minister’s remarks underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that mining activities are conducted responsibly to safeguard the nation’s natural resources.

In his welcome address, the Majority leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the programme was to engage members of parliament to support government efforts in dealing with the problem of small scale mining.

He noted that every small scale mining happens in a constituency and that is why it is pertinent that they join forces with the Lands Ministry to put together ideas in bringing down the menace.

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