Accra: Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has expressed concern over the low adjudication rate of mining-related cases in the courts. Out of 800 cases filed, fewer than 40 have been resolved successfully.
According to Ghana News Agency, in a statement presented to Parliament regarding the state of the nation's water bodies and forest resources, Mr Buah appealed to parliamentarians for collaborative efforts to combat the illegal small-scale mining issue. He highlighted the severe impact of illegal mining activities on the country's water bodies and forest reserves.
Mr Buah outlined various measures aimed at reforming the mining sector, including initiatives like 'Blue Water' and 'Tree for Life' to rehabilitate polluted water bodies and degraded forests. He announced the formation of an 18-member Technical Working Committee tasked with reviewing the mining sector and implementing reforms. The Committee is expected to submit its final report and recommendations to the government by the end of this month.
The Minister also mentioned plans to revoke Legislative Instrument (L.I 2462) to ensure comprehensive protection of the country's forest resources and biodiversity. He invited members of Parliament to attend an upcoming Parliamentary Conference focused on restoring proper small-scale mining practices in Ghana.
Mr Kwabena Okyere-Darko Mensah, the MP for Takoradi, proposed the installation of solar closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras along rivers and water bodies to monitor illegal small-scale mining activities. This initiative would also help oversee river guards and security operatives fighting against the illegal mining problem.
Additionally, Mr Patrick Yaw Boamah, the MP for Okaikwei Central, called for the de-politicisation of the illegal mining issue and urged the Executive branch to demonstrate strong political will to address the problem effectively.
