Decentralise mining licensing - Gwira Paramount Chief tells government

The Paramount Chief of Gwira Traditional Area, Awulae Angama Tu-agyan, has made a strong appeal. He wants the government to decentralise mining licence issuance in Ghana.

He believes that companies or individuals should engage directly with local communities. This engagement should involve clear agreements about mining activities.

Awulae Angama Tu-agyan expressed frustration over the current licensing process. He noted that it is difficult for local concession owners to obtain licences. Meanwhile, outsiders can easily get licences from Accra to explore local areas.

He spoke with Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson about this issue. He explained that mining communities often lack knowledge about licensing processes. This ignorance contributes to illegal mining activities in the country.

The chief pointed out that communities own valuable resources but struggle to access them legally. Outsiders come with documents and mine these resources without community consent.

Addressing the licensing issue could help combat illegal mining, he argued. It would also allow local partnerships and participation in the industry.

Awulae Angama Tu-agyan highlighted threats faced by locals from existing mining companies. These threats could be resolved if communities had legitimate licences to mine.

In Gwira alone, there are ongoing court cases involving two chiefs and mining companies. These disputes have lasted over two years due to conflicts over land use.

He accused Okoben Mines of engaging in illegal activities in their area. The chief stated they discovered the company lacks a proper prospecting licence.

In response, Minister Joseph Nelson clarified that the Regional Coordinating Council does not issue licences or leases for mining. He advised reporting issues with mining firms to appropriate authorities for resolution.

Nelson emphasized that illegal mining is a serious problem affecting many aspects of life in Gwira. The River Ankobra is particularly affected by pollution from these activities.

He warned against allowing any chief to protect illegal miners when they are arrested. The fight against illegal mining must be collective and persistent, he said.

The minister acknowledged that Ghana's cocoa sector is under threat from illegal miners as well. He urged chiefs to join efforts against this issue and not support illegal miners when caught.

Joseph Nelson assured that the government will implement new policies for better regulation of mining activities in Ghana.