Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Tackles Illegal Mining Head-On

Story by Fada Amakye

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is taking a comprehensive approach to combat illegal mining in Ghana. According to Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, Director of Communications for the Ministry, the government’s strategy involves broad stakeholder engagement, regulatory reforms, law enforcement, and sustainable livelihoods.

The Ministry acknowledges that mining is a legal and viable commercial activity that contributes to the nation’s economic fortunes. However, illegalities in the trade continue to ravage the environment, destroying forest reserves, water bodies, farmlands, and main roads. The Ministry is committed to being vocal and transparent about the measures being taken to combat these illegalities.

To address the issue, the Ministry has outlined a comprehensive strategy that includes taking lessons from the past, drawing inspiration from best practices, and innovating for the future of the industry.

This strategy involves comprehensive stakeholder engagement, regulatory reforms, law enforcement, and providing sustainable livelihoods for those involved in mining.

The Ministry is also working on initiatives to restore degraded lands and protect the environment. For example, the “Tree for Life” initiative aims to promote tree planting and reforestation, while the “Blue Water” initiative focuses on dechemicalizing polluted water bodies and reducing turbidity.

The Ministry is committed to transparency and accountability, and will provide regular updates on its progress. By working together with stakeholders, including the media, civil society, and the general public, the Ministry aims to ensure that the fight against illegal mining is a success.

“We are in this together,” said Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia. “We have a responsibility as a ministry to coordinate all our efforts, to take input from every Ghanaian, every well-meaning Ghanaian, to be able to do this and do this right.” The Ministry is counting on the support of all Ghanaians to tackle this critical issue and promote sustainable mining practices.