The Nature and Development Foundation (NDF), an international Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has held a Regional Multi-Stakeholder Mining Forum in the Western North Region of Ghana. The forum, supported by Knowledge for World Conservation Ghana, Chainsaw and Timber Dealers Union, aimed at promoting responsible mineral governance. It brought together state and non-state actors to brainstorm and share perspectives on practical approaches to mitigate the negative impacts of mining.
The forum, held under the theme “Reducing Deforestation Caused by Pervasive Irresponsible Mining,” was attended by representatives from the Regional Coordinating Council, Municipal and District Assemblies, Forestry Commission, Minerals Commission, Water Resources Commission, traditional and religious leaders. The gathering provided a platform for stakeholders to examine the impacts of mining, particularly its contribution to deforestation, and explore avenues for promoting responsible mining.
Mr. Glen Asomaning, Operations Director of NDF, explained that the forum was crucial in the Western North Region, which is a mining area. He noted that mining was one of the activities that destroyed forest reserves and called on residents to collaborate to ensure responsible mining to protect the future of the country. He expressed hope that participants would take what they learnt to their respective institutions and communities.
Nana Elluo Panin III, Chief of Sefwi Nsuansua and Kyidomhene of the Wiawso Traditional Council, who chaired the forum, commended Municipal and District Chief Executives in the Region for their swift response in the fight against illegal mining. He blamed citizens for some emerging illegal mining activities and called on the people to be honest in the fight against illegal mining.
Some participants lauded NDF for the engagement and pledged to ensure illegal mining was reduced to the barest minimum in the area. The forum provided an opportunity for stakeholders to identify practical and collaborative approaches to promote responsible mineral governance, while protecting water resources, forests and other natural resources in the Ahafo and Western North Regions.
The Regional Multi-Stakeholder Mining Forum was a day’s event that sought to bring together stakeholders to discuss the negative impacts of mining and find solutions. The NDF, with support from its partners, aims to promote responsible mining practices in Ghana. The forum is part of efforts to ensure that mining activities are carried out in a sustainable and responsible manner.
The forum has been hailed as a step in the right direction towards promoting responsible mineral governance in Ghana. Key stakeholders, including traditional leaders, government officials, and representatives of NGOs, have expressed their commitment to working together to address the challenges posed by mining in the Western North Region.
Key points
- The forum aimed at providing a platform for state and non-state actors to brainstorm and share perspectives on practical approaches to promote responsible mineral governance.
- The event was attended by representatives from various institutions, including the Regional Coordinating Council, Municipal and District Assemblies, Forestry Commission, Minerals Commission, and Water Resources Commission.
- The forum was held under the theme “Reducing Deforestation Caused by Pervasive Irresponsible Mining,” and sought to address the negative impacts of mining on the environment.
