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Mahama to Involve Traditional Leaders in Mining Licence Process to Combat Galamsey

Mahama proposes involving traditional leaders in mining license process to combat galamsey. Stay informed on efforts to address environmental challenges.

The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has vowed to involve traditional leaders in the critical process of granting mining licences if he wins the upcoming December elections.

Mahama believes that including traditional leaders in the licencing process will significantly address the destruction caused by illegal mining, known as galamsey, across the country.

Speaking at the 3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-scale Mining at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani, the former president lamented the extensive damage illegal mining has inflicted on various sectors of Ghana’s economy. He pledged to prohibit mining in water bodies and restrict the issuance of permits for mining in forests.

“One of the consequences of illegal mining, including galamsey, has been the destruction of forests and cocoa farms. We will prevent the destruction of cocoa farms for mining and effectively ban the issuance of entry permits into forests. Mining in water bodies will be completely prohibited.

“Recognising the invaluable role of traditional leaders in our society and as a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and respect for all stakeholders, I intend to include traditional leaders in the crucial process of granting mining licences in their communities,” Mahama said.

He also emphasized the need to “strengthen regulatory institutions such as the Minerals Commission, the EPA, the Geological Survey Authority, and the Natural Resources Universities” to effectively combat galamsey.

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