By Sarah Baafi
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has reiterated that the government is not opposed to mining, but is firmly committed to ensuring that all mining activities are carried out sustainably and responsibly.
Speaking during a working visit by the Vice President to the Ministry, Mr Buah described mining as a vital pillar of Ghana’s economy, stressing that the sector must be properly managed to protect the environment and local communities.
“We must succeed in this fight to ensure that mining is done sustainably and responsibly. Let me be clear: this government is not against mining,” he stated.
He referred to mining as “the bedrock and heartbeat of this country,” but warned that its long-term benefits could only be guaranteed through responsible practices. According to him, sustainable mining is not only necessary but achievable.
The minister identified the government’s cooperative mining programme as a major intervention aimed at improving standards within the sector and curbing illegal mining. He explained that the initiative focuses on organising miners into groups, providing them with training, and equipping them with the right tools to operate legally and efficiently.
“You cannot export gold without knowing its source. Traceability has therefore become a major issue, and this programme addresses that challenge,” he noted.
Mr Buah added that regulatory institutions, including the Gold Board, are playing a key role in the implementation of the programme. He expressed confidence that the cooperative mining initiative is already making an impact, revealing that several of the projects have been launched.
Looking ahead, the minister said the government would intensify efforts to expand cooperative mining across the country this year, describing it as a game-changer in the fight against illegal mining.
“This year will be one of sustained cooperation. We believe this approach will completely change the narrative around illegal mining in Ghana,” he said.
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Source:
www.gbcghanaonline.com