Accra has seen the launch of a £3.9 million initiative to strengthen Ghana’s fight against illegal mining.
The “UK-Ghana Gold Mining Programme” is the name of the joint project between the governments of Ghana and the United Kingdom.
The initiative, which will be put into action in the Ashanti, Savannah, and Western Regions, aims to eradicate illegalities connected to the small-scale mining industry by fostering community resilience, encouraging regulatory reform, and aiding law enforcement.
Samuel A. Jinapor, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, welcomed the program and thanked the UK government for its support, saying it would help the government’s efforts to stop illegal mining.
The National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP), the Community Mining Schemes, and other law enforcement measures, according to him, would complement this initiative in the fight against illegal mining.
He guaranteed that the ministry was ready to collaborate productively with the UK team to achieve the program’s goals.
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The minister stated that the small-scale mining industry played a crucial role in the economic growth of the nation and that government interventions were made to combat illegal activity and promote sustainable and environmentally friendly small-scale mining.
“The relationship between Ghana and the UK has been long-standing. The Ghanaian government has taken the issue of illegal mining seriously because apart from the impact on our economy, its impact on the environment is dire. The government has taken some very bold steps like NAELP, Community Mining Scheme to ensure that we have community miners who adhere to be highest level of operational measures,” he said.
Mr. Jinapor praised the ongoing cooperation between the two nations, which had resulted in the implementation of socioeconomic policies and initiatives that had improved the quality of life for the populace.
James Cleverly, the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, noted that the government’s bold move to combat illegal mining was done to safeguard Ghanaians and the environment from its harmful effects.
He declared that the UK government was prepared to assist Ghana by allocating funds and personnel to make sure the threat was eliminated.
He stated that through the program, the UK and Ghanaian governments would collaborate to strengthen community resilience, advance regulatory reform, and aid in law enforcement.
“Experts and officials from the UK government will work with a Technical Team at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to ensure the workability and effectiveness of the program,” Mr Cleverly.
