Bibiani: Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has launched the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Department Programme in Bibiani, located in the Western North Region. The initiative is designed to address the issues of illegal mining, generate employment, and encourage sustainable mining practices in the region.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Kofi Buah, also the Member of Parliament for Ellembelle Constituency, emphasized the severe consequences of illegal mining during the launch. He cited the degradation of over 5,500 hectares of land and the pollution of water bodies as significant concerns. The Minister stressed the importance of a united effort to protect the environment, rejecting a 'shoot and kill' approach in favor of public education and community engagement. He also announced plans for a Mobile Licensing Unit to simplify the licensing process and educate miners on sustainable mining techniques.
Barima Osoaman Ackaah Panin II, the Chief of Sefwi Pataboso, highlighted the impact of illegal mining activities, noting that approximately 70% of water bodies in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality had been contaminated. Cocoa farmers are currently forced to transport water from their homes to their farms for spraying purposes. Representing the Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, Barima Osoaman Ackaah Panin II praised the government's efforts and pledged support for the initiative, recognizing the launch of the Boawoman Small-Scale Mining Cooperative as a crucial step towards responsible mining.
Mr. Adu Gyamfi, Chairman of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Mining, Bibiani Branch, expressed appreciation for the government's and the MP's efforts in launching the initiative. He noted that it would encourage responsible mining practices and urged miners to take advantage of the opportunity to secure proper licenses for their operations.
