By Our Democracy News GH
The government’s anti-galamsey campaign is focused on eliminating illegal mining activities rather than abolishing the mining industry, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has clarified.
He said mining remains a legitimate economic activity in Ghana and would continue as long as the country has commercially viable mineral resources.
Mr Ayariga made the remarks at the National Conference for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives on Illegal Small-Scale Mining in Kumasi, where he urged local government authorities to take a more active role in tackling illegal mining.
Mining is legal, but unauthorised operations are prohibited
The Minister explained that Ghana’s laws do not outlaw mining itself but prohibit activities carried out without the required authorisation or in violation of applicable regulations.
He stressed that the national response to galamsey must distinguish between lawful mining operations and activities conducted outside the legal framework.
“What we’re here today to decode and to find a solution to is: how do we deal with illegal mining? Because we’re not saying that our Constitution prohibits mining. We’re not saying that our laws prohibit mining. What our laws prohibit is illegal mining,” he emphasised.
Ayariga pledges leadership in anti-galamsey campaign
Mr Ayariga also expressed his readiness to take a leading role in the fight against illegal mining, acknowledging the political risks associated with confronting those involved in the practice.
He said he was prepared to move into what he described as the “line of fire” and expected Regional Ministers and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to demonstrate similar commitment.
His comments form part of broader efforts to strengthen the involvement of local government authorities in addressing illegal mining.
He called for collaboration between the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to curb unauthorised mining while supporting lawful mining operations.
Source: MyJoyOnline
