Flag bearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Dramani has said he will grant district mining offices the legal mandate to issue mining licenses.
This he says is part of his ways of curbing the debilitating effect of illegal small-scale mining also known as ‘galamsey’ in the country.
He explains these district mining offices which his administration will be creating in all mining communities across the country, will require the services of staff of the Minerals Commission and Environmental Protection Agency as well as other agencies to directly monitor the activities of small-scale miners to prevent the era of destruction of the environment.
Speaking at the 3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-scale mining’ organised by the University of Energy and Natural Resources in Sunyani Thursday, May 15, 2024, John Mahama said decentralising the granting of mining licenses will increase the small-scale mining companies that are regulated in the country, as well as creating more opportunities for the youth in the mining sector under his 24-hour economic policy.
“Firstly, we propose the establishment of district mining offices in all mining areas in the country. Staffed by officers from the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other agencies, these offices will usher in a new era of transparency and efficiency, streamlining the application process for mining licenses and fostering hope and optimism among small-scale miners.
“To support these efforts, we plan to amend the Minerals and Mining Act to grant district mining offices a legal mandate to issue mining licenses. This would decentralise the licensing regime and increase the number of regulated small-scale mining companies and youth employment, particularly under the 24-hour economy policy,” he assured.
The former President also noted that he would employ the expertise of graduates from the mining university in the country as part of his economic transformation model, and creating more sustainable jobs for the youth.
“As part of our broader economic transformation model and a burning commitment to creating more sustainable and decent jobs for the Ghanaian youth, my administration intends to ensure the active involvement of mining engineers and graduates from the University of Mines and Technology and the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, in the small-scale mining sector, creating opportunities for them.
“These professionals will be attached to the newly created district mining offices and small-scale operators to provide guidance and support. This will also introduce the best mining practices, thereby ensuring the safety and sustainability of mining practices,” he added.
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Meanwhile, Mahama promised to outrightly ban mining in forest reserves and near water bodies.
“One of the impacts of illegal mining, including galamsey, has been the destruction of forests
and cocoa farms. We will protect the destruction of cocoa farms for mining and effectively ban the issuance of entry permits into forests. Mining in water bodies will be outrightly prohibited,” he assured.
