Minerals Commission Lacks Authority to License Small-Scale Mining in Water Bodies or Forest Reserves – Bekoe
Bekoe Urges Government Action to Address Illegal Mining in Water Bodies and Forest Reserves
- The Minerals Commission is a government agency
- It is responsible for developing and overseeing mineral sector policies in Ghana.
- Illegal miners continue to operate, causing significant harm to Ghana’s natural resources and local communities.
Samuel Osei Bekoe, Executive Director of the Center for Extractives and Development, Africa, has revealed that the Minerals Commission does not have the authority to grant licenses for small-scale mining operations in water bodies or forest reserves.
Bekoe emphasized that any small-scale mining activities conducted with a license from the Minerals Commission in these areas are illegal and should be addressed accordingly.
The Minerals Commission is a government agency responsible for developing and overseeing mineral sector policies in Ghana.
Bekoe’s remarks come amid growing concerns over the environmental damage caused by illegal mining activities, particularly “galamsey,” which have led to severe degradation of the country’s water bodies and forest reserves.
Despite government efforts, including military interventions and regulatory crackdowns, illegal miners continue to operate, causing significant harm to Ghana’s natural resources and local communities.
Bekoe called for urgent government action to safeguard water bodies and forest reserves, stating, “The Minerals Commission does not have any right to issue a license for small-scale mining in water bodies or forest reserves. This means anyone operating in these areas is doing so illegally. That is why we are calling for a state of emergency on the water bodies and forest reserves.”
