When Parliament reconvenes next week, the government is set to take steps to revoke the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L. I. 2462).
The decision follows an agreement reached with Organised Labour during a meeting convened by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the Jubilee House.
A statement issued by the Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, emphasized that water bodies and forest reserves will remain off-limits to all mining activities.
The ban on mining in water bodies and all forms of mining operations—including reconnaissance, prospecting, exploration, and small-scale mining in forest reserves—remains in effect.
Enforcement to intensify
The statement highlighted that law enforcement agencies have been fully mandated to rid water bodies and forest reserves of any form of mining.
The meeting reviewed the ongoing issue of illegal mining, assessing government efforts thus far and agreeing to ramp up enforcement measures.
Madam Abubakar explained that the government is committed to intensifying enforcement, particularly in water bodies and forest reserves, to combat the ongoing illegal mining crisis, known locally as galamsey.
She also noted that the Attorney-General is expected to collaborate with the Chief Justice to ensure the swift adjudication of illegal mining cases.
Collaboration with organised labour and stakeholders
The government is also set to work closely with Organised Labour and other stakeholders to ensure a united front in tackling illegal mining.
In line with these efforts, it was proposed that all presidential candidates sign a pact committing to the fight against illegal mining, a move aimed at depoliticizing the issue.
Gov t surprised by labour strike
Despite the agreements made at the meeting, the government expressed surprise at Organised Labour’s decision to proceed with industrial action from October 10, 2024.
The Minister of Information reiterated the government’s willingness to engage in continued dialogue to find solutions to the crisis.
Call for collective action
Madam Abubakar concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to the fight against illegal small-scale mining and urged all stakeholders to actively participate in efforts to protect the nation’s water bodies and forest reserves.
The government remains focused on finding long-term solutions to the environmental and social damage caused by illegal mining.
