According to Samuel Abu Jinapor, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, ALL excavators in mining concessions would be tracked electronically as part of significant measures to crack down on unlawful mining, often known as galamsey.
He said that the Minerals Commission had already set up a control center for the initiative’s successful implementation and was working to finish the purchase of the tracking devices in a few months.
The Minerals and Mining (Mineral Operations – Tracking of Earthmoving and Mining Equipment) Regulations, 2020 (L.I. 2404) that gave the commission the authority to track all earthmoving machines and equipment used in mining operations were the reason for the decision to deploy the tracking devices, the minister said yesterday during the Meet-the-Press series in Accra.
“The control room will be operational by the end of the month. The program will be completely implemented in a few months, he added, adding that the tracking devices are currently being purchased.
The ministers of Lands and Natural Resources, Transport, and National Security collaborated to ensure that importers of all earthmoving equipment obtained permits before bringing the equipment into the country as part of measures to combat galamsey, according to Mr. Jinapor, who is also the member of parliament for Damongo.
According to the arrangement, if you work in the mining industry and want to import an excavator for mining, you must obtain a permit from the transport minister. However, before issuing the permit, the transport minister will consult with the minister of lands and natural resources.
Mr. Jinapor emphasized that the government would keep enforcing mining laws and implementing measures to bring order to the small-scale mining (SSM) industry.
He said that preparations were being made for the deployment of five patrol boats to help halt illegal mining on the Pra, Birim, Black Volta, and other rivers.
The minister stated that the Minerals Commission’s initiative to expand community mining schemes (CMSs) in order to assist regulate and sanitize the SSM industry was the ministry’s top priority.
According to Mr. Jinapor, 14 of these CMSs have already been introduced this year, and 20 of them will be implemented in 14 mining areas throughout the nation in 2021.
We will be implementing more of the programs in the upcoming weeks in Osino, which is located in the Fanteakwa South District in the Eastern Region; Kenyasi, which is located in the Asutifi South municipality in the Ahafo Region; Dunkwa, which is located in the Upper Denkyira East municipality in the Central Region; Manso Nkwanta and Mosiaso, which is located in the Amansie West District; Akrof
By the end of the year, according to Mr. Jinapor, the goal is to deliver 50 CMSs that are viable, environmentally responsible, and well-regulated.
The Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA), he continued, was aggressively conducting geological studies to restrict access to further regions for small-scale mining.
He claimed that the GGSA was receiving assistance from the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project (GLRSSMP) to conduct geological studies for 20 blocked out sites in Bibiani, Obuasi, Assin Fosu, Bole, and Bolgatanga.
This will stop the habit of small-scale miners mining wherever there are minerals, he said, which significantly contributes to environmental and forest destruction.
Additionally, Mr. Jinapor stated that in order to help more people involved in that sector, the government would raise the number of mercury-free machinery purchased for small-scale miners from 100 to 300.
The minister continued by saying that further work will be done to rebuild the fields that had been devastated by the threat, even as efforts were made to continue the fight against galamsey.
Giving a report on this year’s Green Ghana Day, Mr. Jinapor noted that on June 11, when the day was observed, nearly 25 million seedlings of various tree species were delivered for planting.
To guarantee that the project had the desired effect, he urged all parties involved, particularly the Forestry Commission and metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs), to monitor and maintain the trees.
He reaffirmed that the restriction on the harvesting and trafficking of Rosewood was still in effect while discussing recent events in the forestry sector.
In order to stop illegal activity in the timber business, he urged the Forestry Commission’s rapid response squad to enforce the law.
According to Mr. Jinapor, his ministry would launch the Green Street project this year after taking inspiration from the Green Ghana effort.
The project, he said, would concentrate on planting trees in the middle of streets and avenues in each of the 16 regional capitals.
The initiative, according to the minister, will be carried out in collaboration with the Department of Parks and Gardens and other parties.
“Starting with Accra, we aim to make a significant effort to plant these trees in the medians of the main roadways in our regional capitals. According to him, this effort will improve the appearance of our cities, create a greener environment, and combat climate change.
Regarding the subsector of land, Mr. Jinapor praised the Lands Commission for making great efforts to digitalize land services, including the introduction of online applications for land titles.
He noted that the commission had been able to assess the degree of encroachment on state lands through the use of drone technology in order for the right measures to be taken.
In order to regain state lands that were being unlawfully held by private individuals, the minister emphasized that all legal actions would be taken.
He issued a warning to anyone infringing on those lands, telling them to leave immediately or face having their buildings destroyed.
The conference was attended by the 11 agency heads as well as the deputy ministers of Lands and Natural Resources, Benito Owusu-Bio and George Mireku Duker.
