Veep Calls For Collective Action Against Illegal Mining
In a stirring address at the inaugural Parliamentary Conference and Orientation Session on Small-Scale Mining, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, emphasized the urgent need for collective action to tackle the menace of illegal mining in Ghana.
The conference, held under the theme “Restoring a Culture of Proper Small-Scale Mining in Ghana,” brought together key stakeholders, including Members of Parliament, Ministers of State, and traditional leaders, to discuss the challenges of small-scale mining and find sustainable solutions.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang painted a grim picture of the devastating impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s environment, citing the degradation of forests, pollution of water bodies, and destruction of lands. She noted that the public outcry on this issue is a testament to the urgency with which the nation must act.
The Vice President emphasized that the government recognizes the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to restore responsible mining practices. She commended the Honourable Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for his efforts in tackling the issue of illegal mining, including engaging with key stakeholders, traditional authorities, and security agencies to strengthen enforcement measures.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang urged the participants to approach the orientation session with a shared sense of responsibility and commitment, stressing that the discussions must move beyond rhetoric to tangible actions that will drive change in their respective constituencies.
“We must work together to ensure that small-scale mining is not synonymous with destruction but rather an avenue for economic empowerment, job creation, and sustainable development,” she said.
The Vice President concluded by expressing her gratitude to the organizers of the conference, the speakers, and all participants for their dedication to this cause. She charged them to engage constructively, deliberate effectively, and leave the conference with a renewed sense of purpose to restore a culture of proper small-scale mining in Ghana.
The conference is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue and orientation on how to tackle the challenges of small-scale mining and ensure that the sector contributes to the economic development of Ghana without compromising the environment.
