In a bold move to tackle the scourge of illegal mining, or galamsey, National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer John Dramani Mahama has unveiled an ambitious plan that harnesses innovative technologies and strategic partnerships to protect Ghana’s precious resources for generations to come.
Speaking at the ‘3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-scale mining’, Mahama outlined a comprehensive strategy that includes leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for coordinated monitoring of mining activities, geofencing concessions to prevent unauthorized operations, and establishing district mining offices staffed by experts to streamline the licensing process and ensure compliance with regulations.
Contrasting the ineffective approaches of the current government, Mahama emphasized the need for structural reforms in the mining sector, proposing a re-categorization into Small-scale (SSM), Medium-scale (MSM), and Large-scale (LSM) operations with tailored requirements.
He also pledged to prioritize Ghanaians’ involvement in Medium-scale mining and create a mining equipment pool in each district to support local operators.
Furthermore, Mahama’s vision includes establishing a Ghana Mining Excellence Centre (GMEC) to drive research and innovation for sustainable mining practices, as well as launching initiatives to restore degraded lands, rehabilitate forests, and clean polluted water bodies in collaboration with stakeholders.
By presenting a forward-looking agenda that combines technological advancements, regulatory reforms, and environmental sustainability, Mahama’s plan aims to tackle galamsey head-on and usher in a new era of responsible and ethical mining practices in Ghana.