The Minister for the Environment, Science, and Technology, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has called for stronger mining regulations across Africa to tackle illegal mining, protect water bodies and restore degraded lands.
She made the call at the second Mining in Motion Conference in Accra, attended by the President of Ghana, the Vice President of Liberia and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.
The conference was held under the auspices of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on the theme, “One Continent, One Policy: Aligning Africa’s Mineral Future.”
In her address, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings urged African countries to strengthen collective efforts to ensure mining activities are regulated and conducted responsibly.
She said responsible mining must extend beyond mineral extraction to include environmental protection, improved livelihoods and measures to prevent mining communities from being left in poverty after operations end.
The minister stressed that Africa’s mineral resources must contribute meaningfully to sustainable development while protecting the environment for future generations.
She said achieving that goal required strong institutions, accountability and a shared commitment among African countries to address the environmental and social effects of mining.
