In his maiden State of the Nation Address of his second term, President John Dramani Mahama outlined his government’s proactive measures to tackle the menace of galamsey and transform the extractive sector.
The President’s address highlighted the devastating impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s environment and public health.
“Galamsey has inflicted tremendous harm on our forests, leading to significant land degradation and the pollution of vital water sources. This reckless activity threatens Ghana’s environment and public health,” President Mahama stated.
He noted that 44 of the country’s 288 forest reserves have been impacted, equivalent to approximately 7,504 football pitches.
The President emphasized that his government is implementing a proactive approach to combat galamsey, including robust and impartial law enforcement, meaningful stakeholder engagement, and the creation of alternative livelihood programs.
“We are expanding the Minerals Commission’s regional offices to strengthen regulatory oversight. We are establishing a framework that categorises mining activities into small, medium, and large-scale operations, each with tailored regulations,” he explained.
President Mahama also announced plans to establish a Gold Board to ensure effective governance of the gold industry.
Additionally, the government aims to leverage Ghana’s salt production capacity to place it as a central export commodity under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
On the topic of value addition, President Mahama stated that the government is crafting policies to ensure that minerals such as lithium are not exported in their raw form but rather refined with value added to them.
“Government is also seizing opportunities presented by the global shift towards net-zero emissions to craft policies related to critical minerals such as lithium. The anticipated development of integrated aluminium and iron industries will significantly increase the value of Ghana’s natural resources,” he said.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, led by Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has already begun making strides in the fight against galamsey, with promising results.
-BY Issah Olegor
