The Vice President of Ghana, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has urged Members of Parliament, particularly those from mining regions, to urgently engage in the government’s renewed fight against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.
Delivering the keynote address at the Parliamentarians Conference on Restoring the Culture of Small-Scale Mining in Ghana, Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized the parliamentarians’ critical role in addressing the galamsey menace.
She urged them to act as key stakeholders and lend their full support to the government’s efforts.
With significant damage already inflicted on Ghana’s three river basins, forty-four forest reserves, and water bodies by illegal mining activities, the Vice President stressed the urgency of the situation and the need for action.
Commending the new Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for taking swift action to tackle the crisis, Professor Opoku-Agyemang reiterated that a united front is required to reverse the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining.
She called on parliamentarians and other stakeholders to complement the government’s initiatives.
Speaking on the theme “Restoring a Culture of Proper Small-Scale Mining in Ghana,” the Vice President noted the significance of the conference as a timely and essential step in combating illegal mining. She highlighted the alarming environmental degradation caused by irresponsible mining, including the destruction of forests and the pollution of water bodies, which threatens both ecosystems and livelihoods.
Addressing the parliamentarians directly, she said, “You, our Honourable Members, are not only lawmakers but also the direct representatives of the people most affected by the impact of mining activities.
We have seen the effects of pollution of our water bodies in the very communities we oversee – babies born with birth defects, stillbirths, and the like. It is, therefore, fitting that we convene here today to engage in meaningful dialogue and orientation on how we can collectively tackle this national concern.”
She added that the government acknowledges that restoring responsible mining practices requires a multi-stakeholder approach, with parliament playing a crucial role in shaping policies, providing oversight, and ensuring compliance within their constituencies.
In his opening statement, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah called for urgent action to restore responsible small-scale mining in Ghana, stressing the need to protect the country’s natural resources and water bodies. He highlighted the destruction of forests, pollution of rivers, and degradation of farmlands, calling for immediate and decisive measures to address these issues.
“The consequences of inaction could be dire for both present and future generations,” Hon. Buah warned, emphasizing that the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by illegal mining remains strong.
The conference brought together parliamentarians, environmental experts, and industry players to discuss sustainable solutions for Ghana’s small-scale mining sector. The Minister’s remarks resonated strongly with attendees, reinforcing the need for collaboration among policymakers, miners, and local communities to achieve long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
In a strong message, Hon. Buah also warned that those engaging in illegal mining would face severe consequences, stating, “What is different this time is that the Presidency will not condone any illegalities whatsoever. Regardless of your social status, when caught, you will face the law and there will be no one to bail you out.”
The Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, also spoke at the event, noting that the conference aimed to engage parliamentarians in supporting the government’s efforts to tackle small-scale mining challenges.
He stressed the importance of parliamentarians working closely with the Ministry of Lands to find effective solutions and combat the menace of illegal mining in their constituencies.