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Tag: illegal mining

  • Government to Announce New Interventions in Fight Against Illegal Mining – Samuel Abu Jinapor

    Government to Announce New Interventions in Fight Against Illegal Mining – Samuel Abu Jinapor

    The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has revealed that the government will soon unveil major interventions to intensify its efforts in combating illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.

    Speaking during an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show with Bernard Avle on Tuesday, October 8, Mr. Jinapor shared that the government’s recent meeting with Organised Labour, ahead of their planned October 10 strike, was “very productive and fruitful.” He confirmed that key measures will include the repeal of LI 2462, a legislative instrument that currently allows mining in forest reserves.

    “Consensus was reached that the government will take steps to repeal LI 2462 when Parliament resumes and also ensure the swift trial of offenders,” Mr. Jinapor said. He added that beyond this repeal, additional interventions will soon be rolled out, including the deployment of river guards and navy patrols to protect water bodies from illegal mining activities.

    The announcement comes amidst growing concerns over galamsey’s devastating impact on Ghana’s rivers, forests, and communities. However, the minister clarified that illegal mining is not the primary cause of deforestation in the country, citing agriculture as the leading driver. Despite this, he reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling the galamsey menace, noting that mining near river bodies remains strictly prohibited. Currently, mining is banned within 100 meters of water bodies, and the government is considering extending the restriction to 200 meters.

    Mr. Jinapor stressed that the government has been actively fighting illegal mining long before recent pressure from Organised Labour. He pointed to Operation Halt, an initiative aimed at cracking down on illegal mining, which he said has been ongoing regularly and will be intensified in the coming weeks.

    The government’s renewed focus on illegal mining comes as Organised Labour plans to go ahead with a nationwide strike, citing dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the galamsey crisis. The proposed interventions are expected to address some of the concerns raised by Labour and environmental groups about the destruction of natural resources.

    The minister assured the public that the fight against illegal mining remains a top priority for the government and that further details on upcoming measures will be announced soon.

  • NAPO Reaffirms NPP’s Commitment to Empowering Small-Scale Miners, Rejects Ban on Mining

    NAPO Reaffirms NPP’s Commitment to Empowering Small-Scale Miners, Rejects Ban on Mining

    Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, has reiterated that a future New Patriotic Party (NPP) government will not impose a ban on small-scale mining. Speaking at a campaign event in the Manso Adubia constituency in the Ashanti Region on Tuesday, Dr. Opoku Prempeh, who is the NPP’s Vice Presidential candidate, assured party supporters and community members of the party’s commitment to promoting responsible mining practices.

    He emphasized the importance of differentiating between responsible, regulated mining and illegal activities, or “galamsey,” which have caused severe environmental degradation and social harm. NAPO stated that the NPP’s strategy would focus on empowering small-scale miners to engage in sustainable practices that protect the environment while also expanding their operations for economic growth.

    “A government led by Dr. Bawumia will promote mining. We cannot stop mining, but we will do so responsibly. We will not mine to destroy our water bodies and forests,” Dr. Opoku Prempeh asserted.

    He also referenced promises made by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s flagbearer, to support responsible mining initiatives that will benefit local communities and contribute to the overall economy. NAPO highlighted that equipment needed for responsible mining would be made available to Ghanaians under an NPP government.

    His remarks come at a time of heightened tension, as Organised Labour prepares to embark on a nationwide strike starting Thursday, October 10, 2024. The strike, prompted by ongoing frustrations over the government’s handling of the illegal mining crisis, calls for stronger action against “galamsey” while supporting the formalisation of the small-scale mining sector.

    Organised Labour has advocated for a balanced approach to protecting the environment while ensuring that legitimate miners can operate without fear of harassment or shutdowns. The crisis surrounding illegal mining, which has wreaked havoc on Ghana’s water bodies and ecosystems, remains a major political issue ahead of the 2024 elections.

    Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s remarks signal the NPP’s commitment to promoting a mining policy that supports economic development and environmental sustainability.