The New Ghana Social Justice Forum has called on the Mahama government to prioritize the appointment of technically skilled and competent professionals to head the Mineral Commission, as the country battles critical challenges in the mining sector.
In a statement, the group emphasized the importance of placing qualified individuals in leadership roles to address issues such as illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, which has significantly impacted the environment and local communities.
“Appointing seasoned professionals with a strong background in mining and industry knowledge is crucial to restoring credibility and ensuring sustainable development in the sector.”
“This is not the time for political appointments or individuals without the requisite expertise,” said Yahaya Alhassan, President of the New Ghana Social Justice Forum.
The Forum underscored the mining industry’s pivotal role in Ghana’s economy, describing it as a cornerstone that requires capable leadership to steer the sector toward growth while tackling illegal mining activities.
Key Recommendations
The group proposed specific measures to address galamsey, including:
- Monitoring and Enforcement: Implementing systems to track illegal mining activities and enforcing compliance.
- Environmental Protection: Conducting environmental impact assessments and developing mitigation strategies to safeguard natural resources.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitating community outreach programs and providing training to ensure operators adhere to regulations.
“Illegal mining has devastated water bodies, degraded land, and led to deforestation, threatening the livelihoods of many Ghanaians. A leader with technical expertise can spearhead meaningful reforms to curb this menace,” Alhassan added.
The Forum also appealed directly to the President, urging him to prioritize the appointment of credible and experienced leaders to the Mineral Commission.
“This decision has far-reaching implications for the country’s economy and environmental sustainability. We must ensure the right leadership to tackle these challenges head-on,” Alhassan stated.