The Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has called for stronger collaboration among security agencies and state institutions to tackle illegal mining in the Eastern Region.
She said the discovery of illegal mining activities less than 200 metres from a major road at Osino, despite efforts to restore degraded lands, highlighted the need for more effective enforcement of mining laws.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings made the call when she paid a courtesy call on the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, to brief her on the findings from her tour of selected mining facilities in the region.
The meeting focused on the findings of the tour, enforcement challenges and the need for coordinated action to protect the environment and public health.
Enforcement challenges
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings expressed disappointment at the activities observed at Osino, particularly because the area was expected to undergo land remediation.
She contrasted the situation with the environmental protection efforts observed at the Zijin large-scale mining facility, describing the situation at Osino as disturbing.
“What we saw at Osino was, to say the least, disappointing and disheartening. We have to do a lot better,” she said.
She urged the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to investigate the situation and work with the relevant agencies to strengthen enforcement.
The minister said illegal mining was not merely an environmental concern but also a threat to public health, citing the risks associated with hazardous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide when used outside regulated operations.
“This is not just an issue around the environment. It is a health crisis as well,” she said.
She also called for the establishment of environmental fast-track courts to ensure the speedy prosecution of environmental offences.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings stressed the need to review existing enforcement strategies and ensure that those who violated the law were held accountable.
Permit requirements
The Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, said applicants required GH¢6,000 to obtain a small-scale mining permit, comprising GH¢5,000 for the permit and GH¢1,000 for processing.
She explained that applicants were required to have a valid mining concession before applying for a permit, but some operators mined on concessions belonging to other people.
She called for stronger measures to ensure compliance with the requirements governing small-scale mining.
Regional Minister pledges support
Ms Awatey said the fight against illegal mining remained a major challenge and welcomed additional strategies and support from the ministry and its agencies to strengthen ongoing interventions.
She reaffirmed the region's commitment to working with the EPA, REGSEC and other relevant institutions to address the problem.
She said the Eastern Region's natural beauty and resources needed to be protected through collective efforts to ensure that they were preserved for future generations.
