Establishing a National Joint Action on Mining and Forestry to Reclaim Damaged Lands – Prez Mahama

At the 3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-Scale Mining held in Sunyani, former President John Mahama highlighted the urgent need to address the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, particularly galamsey. He underscored the necessity for a collaborative national effort to reclaim damaged lands and restore Ghana’s natural resources. This vision aims to prioritize sustainable development while fostering economic growth within the mining sector.

Mahama began by acknowledging the significant contributions of mining to Ghana’s economy. However, he pointed out the severe environmental and health impacts of illegal mining activities, which have led to the pollution of rivers, destruction of forests, and loss of arable land. He emphasized that these challenges necessitate immediate and decisive action.

The former president drew attention to the devastating effects of illegal mining on critical areas such as the Ankobra and Pra Rivers and the Atewa Forest Reserve. He also referenced international incidents, such as the collapse of a dam at an illegal mining site in Brazil, to illustrate the dire consequences of unregulated mining practices.

To combat these issues, Mahama proposed a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. This includes stricter enforcement of mining laws, increased investment in responsible mining technologies, and enhanced efforts to educate and empower small-scale miners to operate sustainably. Central to his plan is the establishment of district mining offices in all mining areas, staffed by officers from the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other relevant agencies. These offices would streamline the application process for mining licenses, fostering transparency and efficiency.

Mahama’s vision also involves significant reforms to the Minerals and Mining Act to grant district mining offices the authority to issue licenses. This decentralization is expected to increase the number of regulated small-scale mining companies, thereby creating more jobs, particularly for the youth.

A key aspect of Mahama’s proposal is the structural reformation of the mining sector into three categories: Small-scale (SSM), Medium-scale (MSM), and Large-scale (LSM). This re-categorization would tailor operational, environmental, and safety requirements to each category, making sector regulation more effective and supporting legal mining practices. The government would also ensure that medium-scale mining operations are wholly operated by Ghanaians, eliminating foreign frontrunners.

Technological innovation plays a crucial role in Mahama’s plan. He proposed using AI to locate and monitor small-scale mining and galamsey operations, track excavators, and geo-fence mining concessions to prevent unauthorized activities. Additionally, a special revolving fund would be established to provide capital and create a pool of mining equipment accessible to small-scale miners.

Mahama emphasized the importance of community involvement in mining activities. He proposed the formation of mining cooperatives to organize community members interested in mining, allowing them to receive necessary governmental support to mine efficiently and sustainably.

Addressing the legacy of environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, Mahama announced several initiatives to restore degraded lands, rehabilitate impacted forests, and clean polluted water bodies. The National Joint Action Team on Mining and Forestry, a collaboration between the Forestry Commission, the private sector, and small-scale mining operators, would spearhead efforts to rehabilitate forests. This initiative is expected to create thousands of jobs in affected communities.

The Galamsey Rehabilitation Initiative aims to convert impacted lands into commercial crop production zones, funded through special fees from the Minerals Commission and contributions from the Small-Scale Mining Association and interested plantation companies. Additionally, the #Atree4life project would engage young people in re-afforestation efforts, making tree planting an economically viable activity.

Finally, Mahama called for the establishment of a Ghana Mining Excellence Centre, coordinated by the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) and the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT). This centre would focus on joint research and innovation projects to stimulate green growth within the mining and minerals industry.

In conclusion, Mahama urged all stakeholders, including miners, environmental groups, local communities, and the government, to engage in open and inclusive dialogue. Only through such collaborative efforts can Ghana achieve sustainable, responsible, and prosperous small-scale mining, ensuring that the country’s natural resources benefit all its people.

Mahama’s commitment to reclaiming damaged lands and promoting sustainable mining practices marks a significant step towards environmental preservation and economic development in Ghana. His proposals offer a comprehensive roadmap for transforming the small-scale mining sector into a model of sustainability and responsibility.