The Minority Caucus in Ghana's Parliament has announced plans to summon the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah. This decision comes amid reports suggesting that miners may be allowed to commence operations without obtaining the requisite licences. The caucus expressed concern over remarks attributed to Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of the Ghana Gold Board.
According to the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the reported position appears to conflict with the provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). This Act establishes the legal framework governing mining operations in Ghana. Afenyo-Markin stated that the Minority would pursue the matter in Parliament.
The controversy arose from a public address by Sammy Gyamfi. His comments were understood to suggest that miners operating outside restricted areas could be allowed to continue mining. This would be while their activities undergo subsequent regularisation. However, Section 82(1) of Act 703 stipulates that a licence must be obtained before engaging in small-scale mining operations.
Afenyo-Markin emphasised that the government must clearly articulate its position. The Minority Leader called for cooperation between the governing and opposition parties in tackling illegal mining, known as galamsey. He cautioned against allowing political considerations to influence efforts to protect Ghana's environmental resources.
The Minority Leader reiterated that the Minority would raise the matter in Parliament. They would demand a formal explanation from the Lands and Natural Resources Minister regarding the government's position. This is on the reported proposal to permit mining operations before acquiring the necessary licences.
Afenyo-Markin stressed that the responsibility to safeguard Ghana's environmental resources transcended party affiliations. He emphasised that the country's rivers and forests are not partisan. The Minority Caucus seeks clarification on the government's policy regarding mining licences.
The summoning of the Lands Minister reflects the Minority Caucus's commitment to ensuring that mining operations in Ghana are conducted legally. The caucus aims to protect the country's environmental resources while promoting sustainable mining practices.
Key points
- The Minority Caucus in Ghana's Parliament plans to summon Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah over reports that miners may operate without licences.
- The controversy centres on remarks attributed to Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of the Ghana Gold Board.
- The Minority Caucus seeks clarification on the government's policy regarding mining licences to ensure compliance with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
