Former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has urged patience for the John Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration while it sets about addressing the issue of illegal small-scale mining
Jinapor, who previously held direct responsibility for regulating small-scale mining, stated that he would be reluctant to openly criticize his successor, as he understands the complexities of the issue at hand.
He said, “I know how complex the issue of illegal small-scale mining is. It is endemic, complicated, pervasive, and its tentacles permeate through almost all facets of our national life and the fabric of our society.”
Speaking in an interview on Friday, March 28, 2025, in Parliament, Abu Jinapor averred that addressing illegal mining requires a dedicated effort and that the current Minister for Lands and Natural Resources should be given time and space to implement his policies.
“He has introduced interventions like the river guards concept. Of course, some have raised concerns about the caliber of people selected for this role, but it is a novelty, and we need to see how it works out,” Jinapor stated.
H acknowledged ongoing reforms in the licensing regime for small-scale mining and urged Ghanaians to monitor the effectiveness of these policies before passing judgment.
Despite acknowledging the government’s efforts, Jinapor claimed that the illegal mining situation appears to be worsening.
He attributed this to a broader mindset in the political space, where members of ruling parties feel entitled to certain benefits, including the indiscriminate mining of forest reserves.
“Even a novice or a bystander will not help but come to the objective conclusion that things seem to be getting out of hand. There’s no two ways about that,” he asserted.
“What seems to be happening is that members of the ruling party are just taking it upon themselves—brazenly and with impunity—to take over forest reserves and mine indiscriminately. That is the reality,” he lamented.
The former minister also addressed calls for a state of emergency in illegal mining areas, a proposal that has gained traction in some circles.
According to him, he does not find the call frivolous or misplaced and stressed it is something that borders on the existence of the country and its people.
Jinapor, however, cautioned that the implications of such a move must be carefully examined to determine which areas are going to be declared and what the categorization will be, and who will police the state of emergency.
“This government, when in opposition, fully supported the call for a state of emergency and made a categorical commitment that they would declare one if voted into office,” he pointed out and urged the government to “walk its talk” and remain accountable to the promises made to the Ghanaian people.