Ghana’s Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has stressed the urgent need for collective action to combat illegal mining, which continues to devastate the country’s water bodies, farmlands, and forests.
Speaking at the maiden Parliamentarians’ Conference on Restoring the Culture of Proper Small-Scale Mining in Ghana, she called on lawmakers and traditional leaders to support government efforts in regulating the sector. The event aimed to educate Members of Parliament on the environmental and economic impacts of mining and equip them to take the lead in their constituencies.
Opoku-Agyemang highlighted that the government was taking a multi-stakeholder approach to ensure responsible small-scale mining that benefits the economy without harming the environment. She also emphasized ongoing engagements with key stakeholders, including security agencies and traditional authorities, to strengthen enforcement measures and rehabilitate degraded lands.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin warned that any MP caught engaging in illegal mining would face legal consequences, reiterating Parliament’s commitment to tackling the issue.
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah stressed the importance of targeting not just small-scale miners but also the financiers and influential figures behind illegal operations. He urged MPs to take an active role in fighting the menace in their constituencies.
The ministry has been strengthening enforcement efforts in collaboration with security agencies and reviewing the licensing process to streamline mining regulations.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga reiterated the need for Parliament’s full support, emphasizing that illegal mining takes place within communities and requires grassroots action.
