Boawoman Small-Scale Mining Cooperative launched in Bibiani to tackle galamsey

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has launched the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme in Bibiani in the Western North Region. 

The initiative aims to curb illegal mining, create employment and promote sustainable mining practices.

Mr Buah, during the launch of the programme at Bibiani yesterday, highlighted the devastating impact of illegal mining, citing over 5,500 hectares of degraded land and polluted water bodies.

The Lands Minister, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ellembelle, emphasised the need for a collective effort to safeguard the environment, and rejected the "shoot and kill" approach, and advocated public education and community engagement.

Mr Buah announced the government’s plans to establish a Mobile Licensing Unit to streamline the licensing process and educate miners on sustainable methods.

"Barima Osoaman Ackaah Panin II, the Chief of Sefwi Pataboso, revealed that galamsey activities had contaminated about 70 per cent of water bodies in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality.

He noted that cocoa farmers were compelled to transport water from home to their farms for spraying, highlighting the severity of the issue.

The chief, who represented the Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, commended the government for its efforts and pledged their support for the initiative.

According to him, the launch of the Boawoman Small-Scale Mining Cooperative in Bibiani marked a significant step towards responsible mining practices in the region.

The Chairman of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Mining, Bibiani branch,  Adu Gyamfi lauded the government and local MP for launching the initiative, noting that it would promote responsible mining practices.

He encouraged miners to seize the opportunity to obtain proper licences for their operations.