A’Rocha Ghana With Funding From Norad Holds National Multi- Stakeholders Dialogue On Sustainable Mining In Eastern Region
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As part of efforts to mitigate and eradicate the effects of the illegal mining also known as Galamsey and ensure proper and responsible mining, A’ Rocha Ghana, a non- governmental Organization with support from TROPENBOS Ghana and funds from Norad (Norwegian Agency for Development) holds the third edition of Multi- stakeholder Dialogue at the eastern premier hotel in Koforidua.
The theme for the dialogue (which was slated for June 17, 2021) was; Sustainable Small Scale Mining for National Development; strengthening the roles of district and community level stakeholders.
Chaired by the Amansie West Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Mrs Susan Akomea, representatives of mining stakeholders were present.
The stakeholders included; Chiefs, Small scale miners, farmers, minerals commission, Environmental protection Agency, forestry commission and the media.
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At the said meeting, Engineer Ranford Sekyi who is the deputy director of EPA gave a speech on EPA requirements for Responsible Artisanal Small– Scale Mining. Ing. Ransford Sekyi revealed that the environmental stewardship is incumbent on all Ghanaians. He added that the human race is born to solve problems and the work pf the EPA is no difference.
He therefore enumerated what the miners are to do to promote sustainable mining in the country. According to him, miners are to;
1. Identify the ore spot.
2. Compensate the farmers.
3. Take off the top soil.
4. Take off the gold rock and
5. Build a dam.
Moreover, Mr Ransford Sekyi said the minerals commission through the Municipal/District Assemblies must consult the chiefs before issuing permit. He again stressed on the need to make some lands a no go area for mining.
The environmentalist was keen to state that most of the Small– Scale miners do not go through the proper procedure for mining hence the destruction of our water bodies.
Mr Joshua Quaye Sowah, the eastern regional manager for Minerals commission took turn to add to what the EPA representative previously said.
According to him, Small Scale mining is for only Ghanaians and their mining lease is not more than 5 years duration but subjected to renewal. That not alone, Mr Sowah said;
1. Small Scale Mining committee must be set up.
2. Minerals commission will carry out inspection on the sites.
3. Small Scale miners will have to explain how they will rehabilitate the mining area.
4. Small Scale miners have certified workers.
Mr Sowah together with the EPA deputy director revealed that their greatest challenge has been illegal mining.
The meeting then had a break- out dialogue seesion on strengthening the roles of community and district level stakeholders.
The president of Ghana, H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo keen at protecting the water bodies placed a ban on small scale mining till they are ready to follow the regulations that will not pollute the environment.
The almighty Galamsey is now an illegal business as participants are arrested and prosecuted.
