ohn Mahama Pledges National Action Team on Mining and Forestry to Restore Degraded Lands

Former President John Dramani Mahama has announced his commitment to establish a national joint action team on mining and forestry to address environmental degradation caused by illegal mining activities, known as galamsey. Speaking at the third annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-Scale Mining at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Fiapre, Bono Region, Mahama outlined his vision to rehabilitate impacted forests and clean polluted water bodies if he is re-elected in the 2024 presidential elections.

Galamsey Rehabilitation Initiative

Mahama detailed that the galamsey rehabilitation initiative would be a collaborative effort involving the Forestry Commission, the private sector, and small-scale mining operators. He emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to achieve a sustainable, responsible, and prosperous small-scale mining sector. The proposed intervention aims to restore the environment and create thousands of jobs in affected mining communities. Additionally, the initiative plans to convert degraded lands into commercial crop production zones, including oil palm and rubber plantations.

Funding and Youth Engagement

Funding for the initiative will come from special fees levied by the Minerals Commission and contributions from small-scale mining entities and interested plantation companies. Mahama also announced the launch of the #Atree4life project, which will engage young people in reforestation activities in mining areas, making it an economically viable endeavor.

Water Conservation Efforts

Mahama highlighted plans to partner with the Water Resources Commission and the Ghana Water Company through a water club and blue water initiative to clean impacted water bodies. He acknowledged the severe impact of galamsey on forests and cocoa farms and pledged to protect these vital resources from mining activities.

Involving Traditional Leaders and Strengthening Institutions

Traditional leaders will play a crucial role in the process of granting mining licenses in their communities. Mahama stressed the need to strengthen regulatory institutions such as the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Geological Survey Authority, and the Natural Resources University. These efforts will involve updated laws, policies, regulatory enforcement, and education.

District Mining Offices and Technological Innovations

Mahama proposed the establishment of district mining offices in all mining areas, staffed by officers from various regulatory agencies. This move aims to decentralize the licensing regime, streamline the application process, and increase transparency and efficiency. He also emphasized the need to involve mining engineers and graduates from UMaT and UENR in the small-scale mining sector to create opportunities and foster technological innovations.

Special Fund and Ghana Mining Excellence Centre

Under Mahama's presidency, a special revolving fund will be established to facilitate access to relevant mining equipment. He also announced the launch of a Ghana Mining Excellence Centre (GMEC), coordinated by UENR and UMaT, to support these initiatives for an initial five-year period.

Commitment to Responsible Mining

Mahama underscored the necessity of a multifaceted approach to combat galamsey, including stricter enforcement of mining laws, investment in responsible mining technologies, and education and empowerment of small-scale miners. He reaffirmed his commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure Ghana's natural resources benefit all citizens, not just a few.

As the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2024 presidential election, Mahama's proposals reflect a comprehensive strategy to address the environmental and social challenges posed by illegal mining, promising a sustainable future for Ghana's mining industry.

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