Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Announces Sweeping Changes to Safeguard Ghana’s Water Bodies and Land
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Boah, has announced major reforms to safeguard Ghana’s water bodies and reclaim degraded lands resulting from illegal mining.
These reforms include new licensing structures, enhanced enforcement measures, and stricter surveillance systems as part of the government’s renewed war on illegal mining.
Addressing the media in Accra on Thursday, April 3, the minister announced that the current “small-scale mining system will be restructured into small, medium, and large-scale operations, which will allow for better regulation and oversight.”
He emphasized that the government is committed to supporting responsible mining.
“If you want to mine responsibly, the government is committed to guiding you with proper licenses and sustainable practices.”
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Additionally, the minister indicated that the Ghana Geological Survey Authority is being strengthened to conduct mineral investigations and identify legal mining areas to prevent the destruction of water bodies and lands and help create well-structured, legal mining zones rather than chaotic, destructive activities.
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To tackle the use of illegal equipment, Mr. Buah explained that the government has implemented a “geotagging and geofencing system for all excavators.”
“We have already begun tracking 70 excavators on a trial basis and will expand nationwide soon.”
He revealed that the government has engaged the Attorney General and the Chief Justice to establish specialized courts for illegal mining cases.