2 weeks Ago By Martin Kwame Henyoh
News Ghana, Latest Updates and Breaking News of Ghana, Martin Kwame Henyoh, https://newsghana.com.gh/minister-engages-stakeholders-to-win-war-against-galamsey/Efforts to curb illegal mining and promote responsible mining practices in the Eastern Region have been intensified with the Regional Minister, Mrs Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, engaging stakeholders in the sector to address key challenges and strengthen regulatory compliance.
The two-day meeting, organised by the Eastern Regional Co-ordinating Council in collaboration with the Minerals Commission and other regulatory bodies, convened both large-scale and small-scale mining companies on 13th and 14th March 2025 in Koforidua and Kade, respectively, to address critical issues affecting the industry.The engagement focused on tackling the devastating impact of illegal mining (galamsey), ensuring compliance with mining regulations, and promoting sustainable mining practices. It also provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges confronting the industry and explore collaborative solutions.
Minister Engages Stakeholders To Win War Against GalamseySpeaking at the meeting, the Regional Minister underscored the urgency of addressing illegal mining, which has led to environmental degradation, the destruction of water bodies, and a rise in mining-related fatalities. She emphasised that while responsible mining contributes to economic growth, reckless mining activities pose a severe threat to the region’s natural resources and livelihoods.Mining companies, both large and small, were reminded of their responsibility to ensure that their operations adhere to environmental and safety regulations.
The Minister expressed concern over reports that some legally operating miners had failed to reclaim mined-out lands, stressing that such negligence will not be tolerated. She warned that companies flouting these regulations risked losing their licences.A warning was also issued to illegal miners operating in forest reserves and water bodies, urging them to desist from their activities immediately or face severe consequences.
Mrs Awatey reiterated that under the President Mahama-led government, no galamsey activities will be allowed under any circumstances and that the Eastern Regional Anti-Galamsey Task Force is fully prepared to take decisive action against offenders.Minister Engages Stakeholders To Win War Against GalamseyThe engagement highlighted key issues, including regulatory compliance, environmental sustainability, health and safety measures, and the role of legal mining entities in combating galamsey. Mining companies were urged to take an active role in reporting illegal activities within their jurisdictions.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Anti-Galamsey Task Force, and other key stakeholders. Participants acknowledged the importance of continued engagements to strengthen enforcement and promote responsible mining practices across the region.The Eastern Regional Minister expressed optimism that these discussions would lead to a renewed commitment from all stakeholders, ensuring that mining operations in the region align with legal and ethical standards while protecting the environment for future generations.
News Ghana, Latest Updates and Breaking News of Ghana, Martin Kwame Henyoh, https://newsghana.com.gh/minister-engages-stakeholders-to-win-war-against-galamsey/.
