Ghana’s Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has urged for unity in combating illegal mining, which endangers water bodies, agriculture, and forests. At a recent conference for Parliamentarians, she emphasized the need for collaboration among lawmakers and traditional leaders to regulate the mining sector effectively. The government aims to promote responsible small-scale mining while enforcing regulations and rehabilitating degraded areas.
Ghana’s Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called for a united effort to address the pressing issue of illegal mining, which poses a significant threat to the nation’s water resources, agriculture, and forests. During the inaugural Parliamentarians’ Conference on Restoring the Culture of Proper Small-Scale Mining, she urged lawmakers and traditional leaders to collaborate with the government in regulating the sector effectively.
The conference aimed to inform Members of Parliament about the environmental and economic consequences of mining, empowering them to lead initiatives within their constituencies. Vice President Opoku-Agyemang emphasized the government’s commitment to a multi-stakeholder strategy that promotes responsible small-scale mining practices that benefit both the economy and the environment.
She also noted the importance of engaging with security forces and traditional authorities to enforce regulations and rehabilitate damaged lands. Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin reiterated that Members of Parliament discovered engaging in illegal mining would face legal repercussions, reinforcing Parliament’s dedication to resolving this critical matter.
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah highlighted the need to address not only small-scale miners but also the financiers and influential individuals involved in illegal operations. He called upon Members of Parliament to actively combat this issue within their communities.
Furthermore, the Ministry is enhancing enforcement measures in collaboration with security agencies and revising the licensing framework to improve mining regulations. Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga echoed the necessity of full parliamentary support, noting that illegal mining occurs within local communities and necessitates grassroots intervention.
In summary, Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang emphasizes the imperative for collective action against illegal mining in Ghana. During a conference aimed at educating lawmakers on the impacts of mining, she called for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure responsible practices. The government, along with Parliament and traditional leaders, seeks to implement strategies that protect environmental resources while fostering economic benefits. Legal accountability and regulation reform are also vital components of this initiative.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
