The Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has called for stronger enforcement against illegal mining on the concessions of legitimate mining companies, warning that continued encroachment threatens environmental protection efforts.
She said companies that invested in responsible mining and complied with environmental laws should be supported by effective enforcement to prevent illegal operators from undermining their work.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings made the remarks during a visit to Zijin Golden Ridge Company Limited at New Abirem in the Eastern Region, where she was briefed on the company’s environmental management systems and the challenges posed by illegal mining activities around its concession.
The company told the delegation that illegal miners were operating in and around its concession, with some activities affecting streams monitored as part of its environmental management programme.
The company’s Environment Manager, Kwame Obeng Dapaah said the situation was frustrating efforts to protect water resources because pollution originating outside the company’s operational area could compromise the quality of surrounding water bodies.
He appealed for continued support from the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, the EPA and security agencies to address the problem.
Responding to the concerns, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said the government had a responsibility to ensure that environmental regulations were enforced consistently.
She said she would discuss the matter with the Chief Executive of the EPA, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, with a view to engaging the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on enforcement measures around mining concessions.
According to the minister, companies that have been granted concessions can be held responsible for illegal mining activities occurring within their operational areas, making it important for reports of encroachment to receive the necessary attention.
She stressed that where companies reported encroachment, the relevant authorities had a duty to act to protect the concessions and ensure compliance with the law.
The minister’s comments followed a tour of Zijin Golden Ridge’s mining facilities, during which officials explained the company’s efforts to manage environmental impacts, restore disturbed land and undertake reforestation.
The delegation was shown the company’s open-pit mine, tailings dam and reforestation site as part of the assessment of its environmental management practices.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said the government remained committed to strengthening environmental protection and addressing illegal mining through collaboration among relevant ministries, regulatory agencies and security institutions.
She also expressed concern about illegal mining activities observed later at Osino, describing the situation as disturbing and calling for a closer examination by the Eastern Regional Security Council.
The Eastern Regional Minister welcomed the call for additional interventions, assuring the visiting delegation of the region’s readiness to work with relevant institutions to address illegal mining.
The visit forms part of the ministry’s engagement with environmental regulators and other stakeholders to assess environmental challenges and strengthen measures to protect Ghana’s natural resources.
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
