Government convenes MMDCEs to strengthen fight against illegal mining

The government has called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to take a more active role in the fight against illegal small-scale mining, warning that the destruction of water bodies, forest reserves and other natural resources requires coordinated action at all levels of governance. The call was made at the maiden National Conference of MMDCEs on Illegal Small-Scale Mining, held in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region on Monday, November 2, 2026. The conference brought together local government leaders and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening the fight against illegal mining, particularly through improved coordination between district assemblies, regulatory institutions and security agencies. The Ashanti Region, where mining activities contribute significantly to the local and regional economy and provide livelihoods for many residents, hosted the conference. Ashanti Regional Minister calls for stronger local coordination In his welcome address, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, described the conference as timely, saying it provided an important platform for stakeholders to discuss the challenges associated with illegal mining and the need for a coordinated response. He stressed that the fight against illegal mining could not be left to local authorities alone. “The fight against illegal mining cannot be left at the local level,” he said. Dr Amoakohene commended the administration of President John Dramani Mahama for what he described as its courage and political commitment to tackling the menace. “The political will of this government in the fight against illegal mining is not in doubt,” he stated. He, however, cautioned against security operations being conducted in districts without the knowledge of the respective MMDCEs, arguing that local authorities needed to be adequately informed and involved. He consequently called for appropriate communication channels and contact arrangements to be made available to MMDCEs to facilitate coordination and support for anti-illegal-mining operations. Lands Minister urges MMDCEs to take collective responsibility The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said the environmental damage caused by illegal mining over the years had made it imperative for all stakeholders, particularly local government authorities, to take collective responsibility for addressing the problem. He described mining as an important component of Ghana’s national economy but warned that the sector could not be discussed without acknowledging the environmental, economic and governance challenges associated with illegal operations. “The meeting is therefore not merely an administrative gathering, but a call to collective responsibility and decisive action,” he said. Mr Armah-Kofi Buah noted that Regional Ministers and MMDCEs occupied strategic positions in the country’s governance structure and had an important role to play in the fight. “The fight against illegal mining cannot be won by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources or security agencies alone. It requires our leadership, commitment, courage and sustained engagement with the people we serve,” he stressed. He described illegal mining as a serious national security concern because of its consequences for the environment, public health, food security, water resources and local economies. He said the effectiveness of the government’s response would ultimately be judged by the consistency and fairness with which leaders implemented measures to protect the country’s natural resources. “Our leadership, our government will be judged not by the statements we make at public meetings, but by the consistency, courage and fairness with which we act as leaders. We cannot pursue development today at the expense of the survival of our natural resources and communities tomorrow,” he said. The Minister identified the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces and other authorised security institutions as important partners in enforcement efforts. He, however, emphasised that security operations must be complemented by effective local governance. “When NAIMOS conducts operations in a district, the Assembly must be prepared to assist with local information, logistical coordination within its lawful capacity, community engagement and follow-up monitoring,” he explained. He urged the assemblies to facilitate engagement between prospective miners and the appropriate regulatory institutions to help those interested in mining understand the procedures for obtaining the necessary authorisations. He also called on MMDCEs to communicate opportunities and requirements under approved arrangements, including cooperative mining, to interested communities. “Our goal is a mining industry that creates jobs, supports communities and safeguards our natural heritage,” he said. Assemblies urged to prioritise reclamation Mr Armah-Kofi Buah also urged MMDCEs to pay attention to the restoration of lands and water bodies already damaged by illegal mining. He warned that abandoned mining pits posed serious risks to children, farmers, livestock and other members of affected communities. He called for the promotion of tree planting, soil stabilisation, riverbank restoration and the safe treatment of abandoned mining sites in accordance with approved technical standards. “Reclamation must be treated as an essential component of environmental governance,” he stressed. To improve coordination at the local level, the Minister proposed that every mining-affected assembly establish or strengthen a district-level anti-illegal-mining coordination mechanism involving relevant decentralised departments, regulatory institutions, security agencies and community representatives. He said the government remained committed to confronting illegal mining, strengthening responsible mining practices through reforms in the sector and protecting the environment for sustainable national development. He urged the MMDCEs to recognise the long-term consequences of their decisions, saying the protection of rivers, forests and other natural resources was a responsibility to future generations. Local Government Minister warns against compromise The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, also reiterated the government’s position against mining in water bodies. He said the practice would not be tolerated under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration. “Mining in water bodies will never be countenanced by this administration. That is a no-go area,” he declared. Mr Ayariga told participants that the conference was an opportunity for all stakeholders to examine their respective roles in addressing illegal mining. “This meeting is for all of us, who are either part of the problem or part of the solution,” he said. He also warned MMDCEs against compromising their responsibilities in the fight, stressing that public office came with accountability. “I don’t take things lightly,” he said, adding that “power and responsibility come with accountability”. He further expressed confidence in the government’s efforts to address the menace, urging the MMDCEs to support the enforcement drive. Environment Minister reiterates government’s position The Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, also reiterated the government’s position on environmental protection, stressing the importance of safeguarding the country’s natural resources. Her remarks formed part of the broader discussions at the conference on the need for coordinated action to address illegal mining and its impact on the environment.