The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has criticized the Community Mining Initiative introduced by the previous administration, labeling it as ineffective in addressing illegal mining.
According to him, the initiative lacked transparency and failed to truly empower local communities, as control remained centralized among a few political figures in mining areas.
“The Community Mining Initiative did not adequately involve the people it was meant to benefit. Decision-making was concentrated in the hands of a few, leaving communities with little say in protecting their own resources,” he stated.
To solve the issue of illegal mining, Armah Buah reveals that, the John Mahama-led administration plans to introduce Artisanal Small-Scale Mining Cooperatives which he believe is “a more structured and responsible approach to small-scale mining”.
Under this model, artisanal miners will be organized into cooperatives and equipped with the necessary technical skills and tools to ensure responsible mining practices.
Minister Armah Kofi Buah revealed these plans during a courtesy call on the Western Regional House of Chiefs, where he sought their support in tackling illegal mining.
Addressing the chiefs, he emphasized the urgent need for a united front in the fight against illegal mining, stressing that traditional leaders must play a central role in protecting Ghana’s natural resources.
“We cannot win this fight alone. A collaborative strategy involving traditional leaders, the youth, and local communities is the surest way to safeguard our lands and water bodies for future generations,” he stated.
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