The National House of Chiefs has echoed a growing sentiment, urging a comprehensive reconsideration of policies allowing mining activities within the nation’s forest reserves
Expressing concern over the lack of judicious implementation by governing bodies, the House contends that the initial intent of these regulatory policies, aimed at boosting resources and economic gains, has fallen short.
President of the House, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, emphasized the necessity for a shift in the regulatory regime. He called upon the government to involve the National House of Chiefs in the governing body, stressing the need for a more collaborative approach in decision-making processes.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II National House of Chiefs President
The policy on mining in the forest reserves was well-intended but the result so far shows beneficiaries of the policy have not been sincere enough. Those who were given prospecting licenses are taking active mining. Government and its related agencies like the Forestry Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Mineral Commission cannot implement the policy in a manner to achieve its intended purpose.
We as chiefs and custodians of the land should recommend a total abolition of the policy. Nananom are calling on the government to change the regulatory regime to also include traditional leaders, he opined.
In 2022, the government introduced legislative instruments and Environmental Protection Regulations concerning mining in forest reserves. However, criticism has mounted as numerous mining leases have been granted within these reserves, with additional applications awaiting consideration.
Particularly noteworthy was the controversy surrounding High Street Ghana Limited’s application to mine in the Kakum National Park, which drew significant public backlash. The National House of Chiefs, during its concluding general meeting for the year, advocated for the cessation of mining policies within forest reserves.
Citing a failure in the enforcement of regulations by responsible bodies, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, the President of the National House of Chiefs, pointed out that beneficiaries, particularly those with prospecting licenses, are violating rules by actively engaging in mining activities.
