Accra:The Minority in Parliament plans to summon the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to address reports suggesting that miners might be permitted to operate without licenses, with the possibility of regularizing their activities at a later stage.
According to Ghana Web, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin expressed concerns regarding remarks attributed to Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod). Gyamfi allegedly implied that miners working outside restricted areas could proceed with their activities while arrangements are made to formalize them.
The Minority Leader, during a Leaders’ Media Briefing, highlighted that the caucus intends to have the Lands Minister clarify the government's stance on the matter, as it might conflict with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). The Act mandates that a mining license must be secured before commencing small-scale mining operations.
Afenyo-Markin emphasized the importance of adhering to the existing legal framework and cautioned against reducing the fight against illegal mining, known as galamsey, to a political issue. He urged cooperation between political parties to safeguard the nation’s natural resources, stressing that the protection of rivers and forests should transcend political affiliations.
The Minority plans to pursue this issue in Parliament, seeking a comprehensive explanation from the minister regarding the government's policy on mining activities and its compliance with the law.