Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called on Members of Parliament (MPs) to demonstrate a shared sense of responsibility and commitment in tackling illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. She emphasised the need for decisive action to combat the menace, urging legislators to move beyond rhetoric and implement tangible solutions in their constituencies.
Addressing a conference on the theme, ”Restoring A Culture of Proper Small-Scale Mining in Ghana” at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel, Accra on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, the Vice President stressed that addressing galamsey requires a united front from all stakeholders, particularly MPs, whose constituencies are often affected by the devastating environmental and socio-economic impacts of illegal mining.
“Our discussions today must move beyond rhetoric to tangible actions that will drive change in our respective constituencies,” she stated. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang further encouraged MPs to promote responsible small-scale mining, highlighting its potential for economic empowerment, job creation, and sustainable development.
She underscored the importance of ensuring that small-scale mining is not equated with environmental destruction but is instead recognized as a viable and regulated sector contributing to national growth.
“The theme for this gathering, “Restoring a Culture of Proper Small-Scale Mining in Ghana,” is both timely and imperative. It speaks to the pressing need for collective action in addressing the challenges of small-scale mining while ensuring that it remains a sustainable and beneficial activity for our people,” she stated.
Degradation
She observed that over the years, the nation had witnessed an alarming level of environmental degradation caused by illegal and irresponsible mining practices. “Our forests are being degraded; our water bodies are being heavily polluted, rendering our lands barren. This is not only threatening our ecosystem but has also jeopardized the livelihoods of many communities that depend on these natural resources,” she stated.
She indicated that all three water-basin systems in the country were under threat. According to her, “we have lost forty-four of our Forest Reserves to illegal mining activities, and it would cost us several hundreds of thousands to reclaim. The public outcry on this issue is a testament to the urgency with which we must act”.
She added: “You, our Honourable Members, are not only lawmakers but also the direct representatives of the people most affected by the impact of mining activities. We have seen the effects of pollution of our water bodies in the very communities we oversee – babies born with birth defects, stillbirths, and the like.”
Fitting
She said it was, therefore, fitting that “we convene here today to engage in meaningful dialogue and orientation on how we can collectively tackle this national concern”.
“The Government of Ghana recognizes that restoring responsible mining practices requires a multi-stakeholder approach. This is why we have outlined deliberate steps to curb illegal mining, regulate the sector effectively, and ensure that small-scale mining is conducted in a manner that benefits the economy and the local communities without compromising our environment.
“We appreciate that this is a battle that cannot be fought by the government alone, and we acknowledge the crucial role of Parliament in shaping policies, providing oversight, and ensuring compliance within the constituencies you serve;” she added.
The Vice President noted that, in the past month since assuming office, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, had hit the ground running in tackling the issue of illegal mining. “He has engaged extensively with key stakeholders, traditional authorities, and security agencies to strengthen enforcement measures and intensify efforts in reclaiming degraded lands. These are commendable steps that require the full support of Parliament and all stakeholders present,” she added.
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