Government Takes Bold Steps to Reform Mining Sector, Combat Illegal Mining

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling illegal mining and protecting the environment by taking decisive action to reform the mining sector.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, the government has set up an 18-member committee tasked with developing a comprehensive blueprint for sanitizing and restructuring the mining industry.

Chaired by Professor Oteng Ababio of the University of Ghana, the committee has been given a two-week deadline to devise a strategic plan that will guide reforms in the sector.

As part of its mandate, the committee will review the current licensing framework, assess mining activities in forest reserves, propose measures to prevent mining in water bodies, and recommend solutions to pressing challenges in the industry.

Speaking at the committee’s inauguration, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized the crucial role mining plays in Ghana’s economic development. However, he stressed the urgent need to eliminate harmful practices and ensure the sector delivers maximum benefits to the country.

He lamented the severe environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, revealing that 15%—or 44 out of Ghana’s 288 forest reserves—have been devastated by unregulated mining activities.

Citing data from key institutions in the water and resources sector, the Minister expressed grave concern over the deteriorating quality of Ghana’s water, warning that some of it is nearing toxicity. He reaffirmed President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to restoring the country’s water bodies and forest reserves to their natural state.

Confident in the expertise of the committee members, Armah-Kofi Buah urged them to dedicate their time and resources to crafting an effective strategy to combat illegal mining and protect Ghana’s natural resources.

Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing that the fight against illegal mining is complex and requires a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach. He expressed optimism that, under President Mahama’s leadership, Ghana will make significant progress in curbing illegal mining.

Nana Agyeman Badu II, Dormahene and the representative of the National House of Chiefs on the committee, commended the government’s efforts and pledged the unwavering support of traditional authorities in the fight against illegal mining.

Committee Chairman Professor Oteng Ababio expressed gratitude for the government’s trust and assured the ministers that the committee would work diligently within the stipulated timeframe to deliver a robust reform strategy.

The committee comprises representatives from key institutions, including:

• The Attorney-General’s Office and Ministry of Justice
• Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation
• Forestry Commission
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Minerals Commission
• Centre for Extractive Development – Africa (CEDA) representing Civil Society
• Ghana Chamber of Mines
• Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners
• Water Resources Commission
• Ghana Armed Forces
• Ghana Police Service
• National House of Chiefs
• Lands Commission
• Ghana Geological Survey Authority
• Technical Directors of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (Mines, Forestry, and Lands)

With a well-equipped team of experts, the government remains confident that this initiative will mark a turning point in Ghana’s efforts to reform the mining sector and end the destruction caused by illegal mining.