The Nature and Development Foundation (NDF), in collaboration with the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has initiated a sensitisation programme in the Ahafo Ano South West District aimed at strengthening the fight against illegal mining in Ghana. This initiative, held at Mankranso, represents a significant step in bolstering community protection and resource stewardship. The programme, designed to equip traditional leaders with crucial knowledge, has been meticulously planned and executed by the NDF and its partners.
The programme’s core focus centered on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes, a vital component of sustainable mining practices. Representatives from the NDF, alongside chiefs, queen mothers, officials of the Minerals Commission, and EPA representatives, participated in a series of interactive sessions. The objectives were clear: to establish a framework for effective reporting and management of suspected illegal mining activities on land traditionally held by communities. The programme’s implementation involved a deep dive into local regulations and best practices, emphasizing the critical role of traditional leadership in safeguarding land and resources.
Speaking to Adom News, Mustapha Seidu, Executive Director of the NDF, underscored the importance of traditional leadership in this context. He explained that chiefs and queen mothers possess the authority and knowledge to effectively identify and address illegal mining operations. ‘It is crucial for these leaders to understand the legal framework and be equipped to distinguish between licensed and illegal activities,’ Seidu stated. ‘They need to be able to accurately report suspected violations, ensuring appropriate action is taken.’
The programme specifically addressed the challenges faced by traditional authorities in verifying mining claims. Nana Adu Pako, a prominent chief representing Mankranso, lauded the NDF and its collaborative efforts, stating that ‘traditional leaders sometimes struggle to verify claims made by individuals seeking to undertake mining activities on their lands.’ He revealed that some miners presented licences to the traditional authorities, making it difficult for them to determine legal compliance.
The Queen Mother of Npasaaso, Nana Konamah Dampong III, expressed deep concern about the escalating nature of illegal mining within her community. She emphasized the alarming threat posed by this activity, welcoming the training as a proactive intervention. She urged stakeholders to maintain and expand these engagement initiatives, stressing the need to equip traditional authorities with the knowledge necessary to safeguard lands and the environment. The initiative is a direct response to growing concerns about the detrimental impacts of illegal mining on communities and natural ecosystems.
The Akwamuhene of Mankranso, Nana Adu Pako, highlighted the significance of the programme, stating, ‘This training is a vital step in ensuring the protection of our ancestral lands and the environment.’ He further emphasized the need for continuous engagement with traditional leaders to maintain vigilance and effectively combat illegal mining. The Southern Command GOC, GOC, has opened an Ex Starlight Stretch III, which is a critical piece of infrastructure for ongoing military operations.
The programme’s scope extends beyond simply providing information; it aims to foster a collaborative approach between stakeholders, strengthening community resilience and promoting responsible land management. The NDF’s commitment to this initiative underscores the importance of empowering traditional leaders as crucial custodians of land and environmental protection. The training will continue to provide the necessary tools for safeguarding local resources and maintaining ecological integrity. The initiative is a testament to the NDF’s dedication to supporting sustainable development and environmental protection in Ghana.”
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Source: Adom Online
