Joseph Azumah, Akrofuom MP
Member of Parliament (MP) for Akrofuom, Joseph Azumah, has called for a comprehensive review of all small-scale mining operations in the country, urging authorities to take swift action against illegal mining.
According to him, this review is essential to halting the environmental devastation caused by unregulated mining.
Speaking on Ahotor FM, he emphasized the urgent need for transparency and pledged to provide crucial evidence to expose unlawful mining activities.
Exposing Illegal Mining Networks
MP Azumah reaffirmed his full support for an in-depth investigation into the sector, vowing to assist in uncovering unauthorized operations.
He said the country could not afford to ignore the widespread destruction of its forests and water bodies.
“I am ready to provide all necessary evidence to expose those engaging in illegal mining. This country cannot continue to suffer because of a few greedy individuals,” he declared.
The lawmaker alleged that the previous government strategically issued small-scale mining licenses to its party executives, which allowed them to exploit the country’s forest reserves under the guise of legal mining.
He asserted that these licenses were used as a political tool, leading to massive environmental degradation.
“The NPP deliberately granted mining licenses to their own people, disguising it as small-scale mining. This is why our forests have been destroyed,” he asserted.
Government’s Response
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, recently stated that the government had revoked all small-scale mining licenses issued after December 7, 2024.
According to him, this move follows recommendations from a technical committee seeking to restore order in the sector.
The Akrofuom MP urged the government to act decisively and ensure that the review process exposes those who have abused the system for personal gain.
“The people of Ghana deserve accountability. If this review is conducted properly, the truth will come out about those responsible for the destruction of our forests. No one should be shielded,” he asserted.
By Ernest Kofi Adu