The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has engaged key stakeholders in the Asutifi North District of the Ahafo Region on plans to introduce a Responsible Cooperative Mining Initiative aimed at tackling illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The engagement, held at Kenyasi, brought together traditional leaders, assembly members, small-scale miners, security agencies, civil society organisations, politicians and other stakeholders.
The initiative is expected to promote responsible mining practices while creating legitimate employment opportunities and reducing activities that degrade the environment.
The Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important step towards protecting the district’s natural resources.
He said the programme could help provide legal and sustainable employment, particularly for young people, while ensuring that mining activities are conducted responsibly.
The District Chief Executive for Asutifi North, Hafiz Dauda, disclosed that pockets of illegal mining activities still exist in the district.
He assured the Lands Ministry of the Assembly’s support for the initiative, saying collaboration among stakeholders would be critical to addressing illegal mining.
The Queen Mother of Kenyasi No. 2, Nana Akua Tinkwamaa, also expressed support for the programme.
She said traditional authorities were prepared to work with the government and other stakeholders to tackle illegal mining, which she described as a persistent challenge in the area.
READ ALSO:
NPP demands urgent action amidst SHS placement, WASSCE concerns
Court rejects Mustapha Abdul-Hamid’s adjournment plea, orders trial to resume on Wednesday
