The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh, has called on local government authorities to strengthen oversight and work more closely with security agencies to tackle illegal mining in Ghana.
He made the call at the National Conference for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), held at the Lancaster Hotel in Kumasi.
The conference, organised by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, was held under the theme, “Combating Illegal Mining in Ghana: The Role of Local Governments”.
It brought together government officials, traditional authorities, security agencies and local government leaders to discuss ways of strengthening the national response to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Addressing participants, Mr Tandoh stressed the need for effective regulation and collaboration among institutions to address illegal and unsustainable mining activities.
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He outlined government’s efforts to tackle the menace and the challenges confronting the fight, noting that coordinated and prioritised action by local authorities and security agencies would support responsible management of the country’s mineral resources.
The Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area and President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, who chaired the conference, also highlighted the role of traditional authorities in protecting Ghana’s natural resources.
The National Security Coordinator, COP Abdul Razak Osman, and the Director of Operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), Colonel K. S. Appiah, also contributed to discussions on the role of security agencies in combating illegal mining.
Participants examined the challenges facing the fight against galamsey and discussed ways to improve coordination, accountability and enforcement at the local level.
They also recognised the role of MMDCEs in supporting national interventions, monitoring mining activities in their communities and facilitating cooperation with regulatory and security institutions.
As part of the outcomes, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, directed MMDCEs in mining-prone districts to submit comprehensive reports to his office within 30 days.
The reports are expected to identify all affected mining sites and communities.
Other officials who attended the conference included the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah; his deputy, Yusif Sulemana; the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings; the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka; and the Ashanti Regional Minister, Frank Amoakohene.
The conference called for a coordinated national response involving government institutions, traditional authorities, security agencies and local communities to protect the environment and promote sustainable management of Ghana’s mineral resources.
