Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson is calling for a new strategy to combat illegal mining, emphasizing the need for a fresh approach to address the devastating impact on the region’s water bodies.
He’s urging Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah to join forces and form a task force comprising representatives from the Minerals Commission, District Chief Executives, and security services. This team would have clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure accountability and effective monitoring.
He believes that by doing so, individuals in positions of power will be held accountable for their actions and will have to provide clear explanations when problems arise. Moreover, he’s worried about the alarming rate at which Ghana’s farmlands are disappearing due to illegal mining.
He warned that if left unchecked, the country’s ability to produce food crops and major cash crops like cocoa will be severely impacted.
To address this issue, Nelson also proposed that any chief who allows illegal mining in their area should not have the land returned to them after reclamation. Instead, the state and government should take control of the land for agricultural purposes.
Minister Nelson’s approach seeks to make traditional leaders answerable for safeguarding their lands and prioritizing the nation’s food security needs.
Nelson’s proposal emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between economic growth, environmental conservation, and social welfare through effective reclamation policies. He presented his proposals to the leadership of the Western Regional House of Chiefs on Wednesday, March 12, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to reclamation that prioritizes both economic development and environmental sustainability.
The Minister emphasized that although deterrents can be effective in curbing illicit activities.
The Western Regional Minister has sounded the alarm over the catastrophic consequences of environmental degradation, particularly the Butre River’s devastating impact, which caused widespread flooding in the Ewusiejoe community during the 2024 rainy season.
Moreover, he expressed shock and dismay upon discovering that the previous administration had earmarked portions of the Ghana Rubber Estate farmland, a seemingly illogical move, as a community mining site.
He outlined his vision for responsible mining practices, emphasizing the need for clear standards and accountability.
Nelson championed a more open and structured framework for mining operations, proposing that licensed sites be clearly labeled and recognizable as registered, small-scale, and responsibly managed. He stressed the need for well-defined protocols, rigorous oversight, and explicit guidelines to ensure license holders are aware of and adhere to their responsibilities.
Author ; Dorothy Donkor
