Alhaji Collins Dauda, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Lands and Natural Resources, has proposed the permanent deployment of military personnel to forest reserves to combat illegal mining activities.
According to him, previous strategies implemented by the government have not yielded the desired results. However, he believes that maintaining a military presence in the forests over a period of time could significantly reduce, and eventually eliminate, illegal mining.
“If this method is adopted and sustained for a few years, we can completely eradicate the menace and preserve our water bodies and forests,” he emphasized.
He criticized the current response system, where security forces are dispatched temporarily to areas such as the Tano-Offin Forest Reserve after reports of illegal mining activities.
“This method is reactive and ineffective. Once the task force leaves, the miners return. It’s a short-term fix to a long-term problem,” he stated.
Alhaji Dauda made these remarks following a two-day inspection tour of Newmont’s Ahafo South Mine and Ahafo North Project in the Ahafo Region.
Organized by the Ghana Chamber of Mines, the visit allowed members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Lands and Natural Resources to gain firsthand knowledge of Newmont’s operations.
He noted that the insights gathered from the visit would help the committee make more informed decisions and promote mining as a tool for national development.
Acknowledging the complexity of the issue, Alhaji Dauda stressed that the government alone cannot win the fight against illegal mining. He urged all stakeholders to actively participate in efforts to address the problem.
While commending Newmont for its contributions, he encouraged the company to intensify its efforts by engaging and supporting local communities more actively in the campaign to protect lands and water resources.
General Manager of Newmont Ahafo South Mine, Alex Kofi Annin, expressed deep concern over the threat illegal mining poses to both human life and mining operations.
He noted that the use of dangerous mining methods, such as uncontrolled blasting, places young people in grave danger.
“This has to stop. We are losing young, energetic individuals within our communities. We need to take drastic measures to end this menace,” he said.
Annin revealed that illegal miners have recently been encroaching into active mining areas, increasing the risk of fatal accidents due to the presence of heavy equipment and blind spots.
“We urge them to stay away from our operational zones to avoid endangering their lives,” he pleaded.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ahmed Nantogmah, reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to promoting responsible mining practices.
He noted that the visit was vital for members of the new Parliament to understand the operations, challenges, and contributions of the mining sector.
“This will enable Parliament to engage in more informed discussions and decision-making to support the sustainable development of the industry,” he concluded.
The visit highlights the ongoing national conversation on the best strategies to address illegal mining while enhancing the mining sector’s role in economic development.
