Govt to revoke mining in forest reserves, Soldiers to burn galamsey equipment

The government has agreed to revoke the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L. I. 2462) as part of a new move in the fight against illegal mining commonly known as galamsey [gather and sell].

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has directed that the necessary steps to revoke the  L.I. should be taken when Parliament reconvenes this October.

This is following public calls for government to take a decisive move against illegal mining and the notice by Organised Labour to embark on a nationwide strike beginning Thursday, October 10.

Following the call by Organised Labour and other stakeholders on the government to take action on the menace of illegal small-scale mining in the country, President Akufo-Addo has also directed that the enforcement measures should be ramped up.

This means all those currently mining in prohibited areas are to stop, particularly those engaging in mining in water bodies and forest reserves are to stop.

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor has told Graphic Online that the military is being deployed to go and demobilise all machinery of illegal miners.

Demobilisation of the equipment means the military are to destroy all such machines being used for illegal mining, the minister said.

This means “Water bodies and Forest Reserves remain Red Zones for mining, and all forms of mining in water bodies, as well as reconnaissance, prospecting, exploration and/or small scale mining in Forest Reserves remain banned.”

The Law enforcement agencies of the State are fully mandated to rid our water bodies and Forest Reserves of all forms of mining, a statement dated October 7, 2024, signed and issued Monday night by the Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar communicating the President’s directive said.

Attached below is a copy of the statement 

RE: OUTCOME OF PRESIDENT'S MEETING WITH ORGANISED LABOUR

1. Following the call by Organised Labour and other stakeholders on Government to take action on the menace of illegal small-scale mining in the country, the President of the Republic, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, convened a meeting with Organised Labour
on Thursday, 3rd October, 2024 at the Jubilee House.

2. The meeting discussed the long-standing issue of illegal mining, reviewed the situation and Government's effort thus far. It was agreed between the parties that:

A. Government will collaborate with Organised Labour and other stakeholders in the fight against illegal mining.

B. Government will take steps, when Parliament reconvenes, this month, to revoke the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L. I. 2462).

C. Government would ramp up its enforcement measures, particularly as it relates to prohibiting illegal mining in water bodies and forest reserves.

D. Water bodies and Forest Reserves remain Red Zones for mining, and all forms of mining in water bodies, as well as reconnaissance, prospecting, exploration and/or small scale
mining in Forest Reserves remain banned. Law enforcement agencies of the State are fully mandated to rid our water bodies and Forest Reserves of all forms of mining

E. The Attorney-General will collaborate with the Chief Justice to ensure swift adjudication of illegal mining cases.

F. Government supports the call for all Presidential Candidates to sign a pact committing to the fight against illegal mining so as to depoliticise this national problem.

3. In light of the above, Government is surprised by the decision of Organised Labour to proceed on an industrial action from 10th October, 2024.

Government will, however, continue to engage
Organised Labour and other stakeholders in a constructive dialogue in finding solutions for this national menace.

4. Government reiterates its commitment to the fight against illegal small-scale mining and calls on all stakeholders to join the fight.