In a compelling endeavor to bring stability and sustainability to Ghana’s small-scale mining landscape, a new initiative, known as the Small-Scale Mining Licence Review Committee, has set its sights on scrutinizing the legitimacy and environmental adherence tied to existing mining licences. How will this change the industry dynamics, and what does it mean for the stakeholders involved?
Committee to Focus on Compliance and Sustainability
The committee, led by the astute Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Sulemana Yusif, embarks on a meticulous examination of the existing licensing framework. Their agenda features essential focal points:
- Whether licences were acquired through legitimate channels.
- Compliance with rigorous environmental protection standards.
- Preservation of vital water bodies, forest reserves, and lands.
- Timely payment of fees associated with licensing and permits.
As Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah, a leading figure in the sector, aptly puts it, the committee’s assignment is critical in “cleansing the licensing system.” The essence here goes beyond just ticking boxes; it’s about restoring trust and ensuring that this vital industry can truly bolster national progress.
“Your assignment is a vital step in cleansing the licensing system. By exposing irregularities, we can rebuild trust and maximize the sector’s contribution to national development,” the Minister remarked with conviction.
There’s a deadline, a critical one at that. The committee is racing against a two-month clock, though the Ministry, with its keen understanding of on-ground complexities, is open to extending this timeline if necessity dictates.
In a speech that cut through the uncertainty, Sulemana Yusif, the Committee Chair, promised transparency and diligence—a commitment as strong as the lightning in a stormy Ghanaian night. With a tone of humility and seriousness, he stated, “We understand the responsibility that comes with this role. Our work will be thorough and transparent to encourage trust and investor confidence.”
He solicited the cooperation of licence holders, inviting them into the fold of a fair review process. Isn’t collaboration the key to overcoming barriers and building robust futures?
Cross-Institutional Representation for Holistic Oversight
The strength of a committee often lies in its ability to draw upon diverse insights. This one is no different. With experts hailing from a tapestry of notable institutions, the committee offers a range of perspectives that promise a comprehensive audit:
- Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Water Resources Commission
- Office of the Attorney General
- Association of Small-Scale Miners
As we project forward to June 2025, the anticipation builds. By then, the committee will have crafted a report—hopefully a guiding beacon—steering Ghana’s small-scale mining sector away from the shadows of illegality and environmental harm. Could this be the pivotal moment we have long awaited, where policy and practice come together to forge a better path?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
