The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has defended the government’s decision to impose an immediate ban on the Community Mining Scheme and revoke all mining licenses issued after the December 7 elections, stating that the move is necessary to restore order and accountability in the sector.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament in response to questions from Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Minister explained that the previous administration did not involve community leaders in the issuance of mining licenses, a practice he insists must change.
He assured that moving forward, local authorities would play a key role in the regulation of community mining activities.
The Elembele MP emphasized that the government’s decision aims to sanitise the small-scale mining sector, which he said has been plagued by irregularities and non-compliance with due process.
He revealed that some mining operations labeled as community mining were, in reality, controlled by private companies, thereby bypassing local communities that should have benefited.
He further stated that investigations have uncovered violations of mining regulations, with some operators engaging in illegal activities that threaten the environment.
According to the Minister, task forces deployed to enforce regulations have reported several arrests of illegal miners, who have been handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
To address the challenges in the sector, the Minister announced that the government will implement a more transparent and decentralized process for issuing mining licenses.
Moving forward, licenses will be granted at the district level, allowing for closer monitoring and regulation.
Additionally, a technical review committee will be established to assess all mining license applications, ensuring they comply with legal and environmental requirements.
This, he said, will help prevent the issuance of licenses without due diligence, a problem that has previously led to environmental degradation and conflicts in mining communities.
The lands and Natural Resources Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting responsible small-scale mining, stating that any future mining operations must be conducted legally and sustainably.
He assured Parliament that measures would be put in place to protect forests, water bodies, and local communities from the harmful effects of illegal mining activities.
The Minister’s remarks come amid growing concerns over illegal mining (galamsey) and its impact on Ghana’s environment.
The government has pledged to intensify monitoring efforts and enforce strict compliance to restore order in the mining sector.
The opposition, however, has raised concerns over the timing of the ban and revocation of licenses, questioning whether it is politically motivated.
The Minister, in response, insisted that the decision was based on legal and environmental considerations and not political expediency.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
