The Parliamentary Select Committee on Environment, Science and Technology has concluded a field visit to mining companies and host communities in the Ashanti and Ahafo regions, calling on mining firms to uphold their environmental and social responsibilities.
The committee, Vice Chairman is also the Member of Parliament for Suame, John Darko, undertook the tour as part of its oversight mandate to assess the operations of large-scale mining companies and their impact on communities and the environment.
Speaking at the end of the tour, the Suame MP noted that the committee observed that illegal mining continues to pose a serious threat to society, particularly to water bodies, forest reserves and community livelihoods.
He therefore called on government to increase budgetary allocations to regulatory and enforcement agencies to enable them effectively curb the menace.
The committee visited AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Gold Mine, Newmont Ghana’s Ahafo South Mine, and Asanko Gold Mines, which was the final stop on the tour.
According to Mr. Darko, the committee expressed satisfaction with the safety and environmental protection measures put in place by the mining companies, including protocols for safeguarding water bodies, forest reserve areas and the management of Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) dams.
However, the committee raised concerns about gaps identified during the visits.
In particular, Mr. Darko said the committee was worried about the inability of one of the companies to provide a clear policy document outlining measures to mitigate climate change-related challenges in host communities should they arise.
He emphasized the need for mining companies to not only comply with existing environmental regulations but also proactively develop policies that address emerging environmental and climate-related risks.
The committee is expected to compile its findings and make recommendations to Parliament and relevant state agencies to strengthen environmental governance in the mining sector.
Source:www.starrfm.com.gh /Isaac Justice Bediako
