The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, recently unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at restructuring Ghana’s small-scale mining sector to ensure compliance with legal and environmental standards. This move comes as part of the government’s efforts to promote sustainable and responsible mining practices while cracking down on illegal activities in the sector.
During a press briefing held on Wednesday, March 19, Minister Buah announced the establishment of a Technical Small-Scale Mining Review Committee. This committee, chaired by the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, will be responsible for overseeing operations within the small-scale mining sector. One of its primary tasks will be to conduct a comprehensive review of all small-scale mining licenses issued across the country.
According to Minister Buah, the committee’s mandate includes auditing all existing licenses to verify their proper acquisition, adherence to due process, and compliance with environmental regulations. Specifically, the committee will assess how mining activities impact crucial natural resources such as water bodies, forest reserves, and land preservation. Additionally, it will ensure that all necessary permitting fees and regulatory requirements from key agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Minerals Commission, and Water Resources Commission have been met.
This initiative marks a significant step towards promoting responsible mining practices in Ghana’s small-scale mining sector. By conducting thorough audits and evaluations of existing licenses, the government aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and environmental sustainability within the industry. The ultimate goal is to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources, protect the environment, and ensure that small-scale mining operations operate in accordance with established legal and environmental standards.
It is important to note that the views, comments, opinions, contributions, and statements made by readers and contributors on this platform do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of Multimedia Group Limited. As Ghana continues to strive for sustainable development and environmental conservation, initiatives like the Small-Scale Mining Review Committee play a crucial role in shaping the future of the country’s mining sector.
