The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has disclosed that the Ghanaian government is pursuing legislation to hold traditional authorities and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) accountable for their roles in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. This move is aimed at strengthening accountability at the local level and preventing traditional leaders and local government officials from shirking their responsibilities in combating the menace.
According to Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah, the proposed legislation has been laid before Parliament and seeks to address the devastating effects of illegal mining on Ghana's environment and public health. He expressed concern about the potential consequences for children exposed to pollution associated with the activity, stating that it is "eating our country away" and that the issue should not be politicized.
The Minister made these remarks after participating in an anti-illegal mining operation in the Atewa Forest with the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat and the military (NAIMOS). He emphasized that traditional authorities and MMDCEs must take greater responsibility for illegal mining activities within their respective jurisdictions, as they can no longer distance themselves from the destruction of the environment.
Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah stressed that local authorities should be aware of mining operations in their communities and that the proposed legislation would introduce measures to strengthen their involvement in decisions concerning mining activities. Chiefs, he suggested, would be required to play a more direct role in the processes leading to the granting of mining licences, making it difficult for them to deny knowledge of mining operations in their communities.
The Minister indicated that the fight against illegal mining requires collective responsibility, particularly from traditional leaders and local government authorities. He emphasized that their proximity to affected communities places them in a position to help tackle the problem and that they have a shared responsibility in this fight.
Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah stated that the government is determined to rid the country of the "canker" of galamsey and that traditional leaders and MMDCEs will be held responsible for their districts. He noted that no excuses will be accepted, especially after the passage of the new Act of Parliament, which will take away excuses for inaction.
The Minister's announcement is a significant step towards addressing the issue of galamsey in Ghana, and it is expected that the proposed legislation will be passed to ensure that traditional authorities and MMDCEs are held accountable for their roles in combating illegal mining.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government is pursuing legislation to hold traditional authorities and MMDCEs accountable for their roles in combating illegal mining.
- The proposed legislation aims to strengthen accountability at the local level and prevent traditional leaders and local government officials from shirking their responsibilities.
- The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources emphasized that collective responsibility is required to tackle the problem of galamsey, particularly from traditional leaders and local government authorities.
