Lands Minister details Mahama’s strategy to fight galamsey

Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has outlined a comprehensive plan by the president John Dramani Mahama to combat illegal commonly referred to as galamsey.

He disclosed the government’s efforts in an interview highlighting key measures put in place to address the environmental and social challenges posed by galamsey. These measures include;

Decentralising mining licensing

The Ellembele MP highlighted the importance of decentralization in granting mining license process to empower district-level authorities. The minister stated that it must start at the district.

He further explained that the District Security Council (DISEC) together with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission, would be the body responsible to recommending licenses, and then be approved in Accra.

Political Will at the Top

The minister also mentioned that President Mahama has indicated strong leadership and accountability in the fight against galamsey.

He also emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that all offenders, regardless of status, face the full rigors of the law.

Policy Reforms

The lands minister also presented a review of licensing processes to cater for favoritism and promote transparency.

He said, “We can’t be giving political licenses, we can’t be licensing cronies without following the processes,” he stated.

The reforms are to sanitize the system and promote fairness in the mining sector.

Tree for Life and Blue Water Guards

Mr. Buah said the government is also engaging stakeholders to collaborate with the agencies in fighting against illegal mining.

He said Environmental initiatives like the “Tree for Life” programme and the deployment of “Blue Water Guards” will be introduced to rehabilitate degraded lands and also protect water bodies.