Traditional Authorities Get Boost in Ghana’s Mining Sector Reforms

Traditional Authorities Get Boost in Ghana’s Mining Sector Reforms

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Addressing the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Mr. William Ntow Boahene, Esq., Chairman of the Minerals Commission Board, underscored the government’s commitment to aligning Ghana’s mining regulatory framework with contemporary challenges and opportunities through a comprehensive review process.

The Board Chairman stated that Stakeholder engagement, particularly with traditional authorities and community leaders, is paramount in this endeavor, ensuring that policies and frameworks are informed by the lived experiences of our people.

He noted that as custodians of land and culture, chiefs play a pivotal role in shaping legislative instruments that govern the utilization and conservation of our natural resources. While our current mining legislation has served us well, the pressing challenges of environmental degradation, water pollution, and illegal mining necessitate a bold and visionary review of our legal architecture, he added.

The stark reality is that our rivers are drying up, farmlands are being ravaged, and ecosystems are being irreparably damaged, imperiling the prospects of future generations. Therefore, this review must be forward-thinking and proactive.

King Professor Odaifio Welentsi III, President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, commended the Minerals Commission for convening the engagement, highlighting the vital role of traditional authorities in the mining sector.

He noted that while the Constitution vests mineral ownership in the President, traditional authorities play a crucial role in land administration and benefit sharing.

The law requires notification of chiefs before granting mineral rights and mandates payment of annual ground rents on school lands.
However, revenue due to traditional authorities and stools is often negligible, underscoring the need for a more conscious partnership between stakeholders.

Odaifio Welentsi III, noted that the law also provides for traditional authority representation in compensation negotiations and resettlement monitoring committees, as well as appointment of traditional rulers to the Minerals Development Fund governing board.

King Welentsi III commended the Commission’s achievements, particularly the introduction of a nine-year limit on prospecting licenses, which will promote responsible mining practices through an ‘use it or lose it’ approach. Kudos to the Commission for this initiative.

Mr. Josef Iroko, Manager of Legal, provided an in-depth analysis of the current state of Ghana’s mining laws and regulations, as well as administrative and regulatory guidelines. He emphasized the significance of Parliamentary ratification of mining leases, underscoring the critical role of legislative oversight in ensuring accountability and transparency in the mining sector.

Additionally, Mr. Iroko highlighted the rights and responsibilities of District Mining Committees in overseeing mining activities within their jurisdictions, ensuring that local communities are engaged and involved in the decision-making process. Notably, he stressed the crucial role of Chiefs and traditional leaders as allodial owners of the land, entitled to compensation as stipulated in Ghana’s mining laws.

Mr. Iroko also presented a comprehensive overview of the Minerals and Mining Law, Act 2006 (Act 703), and outlined significant amendments to Ghana’s mining laws, providing valuable insights into the evolution of the country’s mining regulatory framework.

Mr. Benjamin Aryee, former Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission and Advisor to the Minister, presented a comprehensive review of the 2014 Mining Policy, highlighting salient new provisions. Notably, he emphasized the integration of the Green/Critical Minerals Policy, which underscores the imperative of sustainable mining practices in the face of burgeoning global demand for critical minerals.

Furthermore, Mr. Aryee discussed the impact of emerging global trends, including climate change and the increasing importance of Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, on Ghana’s mining sector.

He also highlighted key government policies, such as the introduction of Cooperative Mining and the recategorization of mining, which includes the creation of a medium-scale category. ‘Emerging global trends, such as climate change and the growing significance of transition minerals, coupled with challenges arising from implementation over the past decade and the strategic importance of small-scale mining to Ghana’s economy, necessitate a paradigm shift in our approach,’ the statement asserted.

This review underscores the need for a forward-thinking and adaptive mining policy framework that addresses the complexities of the modern mining landscape.

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400-River-Guards-Recruited-to-Boost-Ecological-Conservation-in-Western-Region

400 River Guards Recruited to Boost Ecological Conservation in Western Region

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Monday, March 17, 2025, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and Member of Parliament for the Ellembelle Constituency, inaugurated the Blue River Guards. The ceremony took place at the Naval Base, Ezinlibo in the Jomoro District of the Western Region.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Emmanuel Kwamena Anyimah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Support Services at the Minerals Commission, stated that the Blue Water Initiative aims to rehabilitate polluted water sources and transform affected areas into hubs of ecological and economic recovery. Mr. Anyimah emphasized that “Today’s gathering is not just a ceremony; it is a call to action. It is a reminder that our rivers-our-lifelines are under threat”. He noted that the inauguration of the Blue River Guards marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to sustainably preserve its natural resources for both present and future generations. He encouraged the Blue River Guards to be dedicated to duty and adhere to the training protocols. Highlighting the role of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Anyimah said, “We are to provide regulatory support, technical guidance, and oversight to ensure the Blue River Guard programme succeeds.”

The Minister, Hon. Buah, emphasized that the Blue River Guards are a crucial component of the Blue Water Initiative. Hon. Buah, admonished the beneficiaries to remain committed to protecting Ghana’s water bodies from pollution arising from the activities of illegal mining. He stressed that the Blue Water Initiative of President John Dramani Mahama, is spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing, and the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology. This collaboration is expected to restore the river and water bodies from the menace of illegal mining. Hon. Buah mentioned that the goal is to recruit and train 2,000 Blue River Guards who will serve as the lifeguards and defenders, protecting and monitoring the health of the river bodies. He further stated that “this initiative is part of the government’s social contract with the citizens of Ghana” and bemoaned the turbidity levels of water bodies, reaching alarming proportions, endangering citizens wellbeing and aquatic lives. The Minister called on all stakeholders to join the fight against the pollution of the river bodies, the depletion of forests cover, and degradation of the environment.

On his part, the Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, commended Hon. Buah for undertaking this initiative and pledged to support the successful rollout of the Blue River Guards programme, as it will play a vital role in monitoring and protecting rivers from environmental threats.

Commodore Emmanuel Ayesu Kwafo, Flag Officer Commanding the Western Naval Command, expressed joy and emphasized that collective effort is required to combat environmental degradation. He praised the Minerals Commission for the support and urged the 400 recruited Blue River Guards to work hard, discharge their duties with honesty and dedication, and protect Ghana’s water bodies and forest areas.

In his closing remarks, Awulae Agyevi Kwame, Paramount Chief of Nsein Traditional Area, expressed excitement about the initiative and highlighted the need for citizens to rally behind the Ministry to resolve the menace of environmental degradation.

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From-Degradation-to-Restoration-Story-of-Reclaimed-Lands-at-Adansi-Fomena-and-Dompoase-In-Ashanti-Region

From Degradation To Restoration: Story Of Reclaimed Lands At Adansi Fomena And Dompoase In Ashanti Region

March 4, 2025, the Minerals Commission organised handing over ceremonies at Adansi Fomena and Dompoase, aimed at the restoration of devastated mined out lands at selected communities in Adansi South District Assembly in the Ashanti Region.

In total, eight reclaimed sites across three locations covering 160.33 hectares (approximately 396.18 acres) of degraded lands was restored. The locations are Domeabra I & II, Adansi Kenya I, II & III at Adansi Fomena, and Nkrankese I, II & III at Dompoase.

The colourful events were held at the palaces of the Paramount Chiefs who chaired the function and accepted full responsibility of the reclaimed lands as custodians. In attendance were the District Coordinating Directors of the beneficiary Assemblies who pledged their support to ensuring that these lands are protected from devastation.

The events were climaxed with the signing of Project Handover Attestation document to officially return the lands to the Chiefs and people of the beneficiary communities.