The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh, has called for stronger oversight and coordinated action by local government authorities to tackle illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

He said Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) must play a more active role in monitoring mining activities and supporting national efforts to address illegal and unsustainable mining practices.

Tandoh made the call at the National Conference for MMDCEs held at the Lancaster Hotel in Kumasi, where he highlighted the importance of effective regulation and collaboration among institutions in the fight against illegal mining.

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The conference, organised by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, was held under the theme, “Combating Illegal Mining in Ghana: The Role of Local Governments”.

It brought together government officials, traditional authorities, security agencies and local government leaders to discuss ways of strengthening the country's response to galamsey.

Among the participants were the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and his Deputy, Dr Yusif Sulemana; the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga; the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings; the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka; and the Ashanti Regional Minister, Frank Amoakohene.

Addressing the gathering, Tandoh highlighted the government's efforts to combat illegal mining, while acknowledging the challenges involved in making progress against the menace.

He stressed that coordinated and prioritised action by local government authorities and security agencies would be essential to promoting responsible mineral resource management and strengthening enforcement at the community level.

The Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area and President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, who chaired the occasion, also emphasised the important role of traditional authorities in protecting the country's natural resources.

The conference further featured contributions from the National Security Coordinator, COP Abdul Razak Osman, and the Director of Operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), Colonel K. S. Appiah, who addressed the role of security agencies in tackling illegal mining.

A key outcome of the discussions was a renewed recognition of the role local government authorities can play in supporting national interventions, strengthening community-level monitoring and facilitating cooperation with regulatory and security institutions.

Participants also examined the challenges affecting the fight against illegal mining and explored practical measures to improve coordination, accountability and enforcement at the local level.

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As part of efforts to strengthen local-level action, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has tasked MMDCEs in mining-prone districts to submit comprehensive reports to his office within 30 days.

The reports are expected to identify all affected mining sites and communities to help inform interventions and improve the monitoring of illegal mining activities.

The conference underscored the need for a united national response involving government institutions, traditional authorities, security agencies, regulatory bodies and local communities to protect the environment and ensure the sustainable management of Ghana's mineral resources.



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