I will include traditional leaders in issuing mining licenses to small-scale miners– Mahama

John Dramani Mahama has pledged to involve traditional leaders in the critical process of issuing mining licences to miners if he is elected president.

Mr Mahama said that involving traditional leaders who are the custodians of the lands in granting licences will be a tremendous move towards curbing the destruction of the environment by illegal miners.

Mahama told stakeholders at the 3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-scale Mining in Sunyani, that the rate at which illegal mining damages the country is alarming. He said he would ban mining in water bodies and restrict mining in forest reserves.

“One of the impacts of illegal mining, including galamsey, has been the destruction of forests and cocoa farms. We will protect the destruction of cocoa farms for mining and effectively ban the issuance of entry permits into forests. Mining in water bodies will be outrightly prohibited,” he stated.

The former President said adding traditional leaders to the decision-making process will deepen inclusivity and demonstrate respect for traditional authority.

“Recognizing the invaluable role of traditional leaders in our society and as a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and respect for all stakeholders, I intend to have traditional leaders included in the crucial process of granting mining licences in their communities.”

Also, Mahama underscored the significance of strengthening “regulatory institutions such as the Minerals Commission, the EPA, the Geological Survey Authority” and Natural Resources Universities to effectively and efficiently approach the fight against galamsey.