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The Designated Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has promised to address the challenges associated with illegal mining activities popularly known as “galamsey.”
During his background investigation on February 24, 2021, Mr. Jinapor, a deputy for the Damango Constituency, told the Appointments Committee that if given the go-ahead, he would face the challenge – which continues to frustrate the work of the Ministry – without fear or favor. .
He noted that his refusal to do so would mean setting himself up for failure.
“I want to give the firm assurance that my mind is very clear. If I get the approval of the House, I will move there in all humility. [and] apply the law without fear or favor. If I don’t do this, I am setting myself up for failure, ”he told the Nominating Committee.
However, the deputy admitted that the ministry’s effort to tackle the problem of illegal mining has always been hampered by the big shots from political parties and government officials.
“In such a crusade, in such a struggle, you will meet challenges, obstacles, we all know that. It happened under NDC. It happened under NPP. You will have party people, party bigwigs who want to thwart the situation. “
To deal with the threat, the designated minister indicated that it would be necessary to start with the “concept of community mining”.
“I think we should follow the concept of community mining. I have looked at the literature. I have read the reports. I have examined the situation and I am convinced that the perfection and increase of community mining in our country will go a long way towards addressing the incidents of illegal small-scale mining, ”he said.
Mr. Jinapor also believes that the Minerals Commission should be reformed to improve its operations and improve service delivery to the nation.
“In no way am I suggesting that the Minerals Commission did not do a good job. They have done their best under the circumstances, but I think the next phase of our efforts should be on how we are going to reform the operations of the Minerals Commission so that their services are readily available and also so that we can promote the community. mining ”, said the deputy of Damango.
He added that the Ministry needs the support of the bosses, local authorities and miners. Therefore, if given the go-ahead, it will lead the Ministry to engage all stakeholders to help regulate the activities of small miners.
“If I get the approval of this chamber, I intend to visit the mining communities myself as the Minister leading the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to engage the mining communities, actors and stakeholders so that we can build a broad coalition. grassroots and support around this national policy of viable, sustainable, legal and regulated small-scale mining in Ghana, ”he told the committee.
