Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to end illegal mining in forest reserves and water bodies, announcing that new measures, including a dedicated bill, are being prepared to permanently outlaw the practice.
She made this known during an engagement with the Ghanaian community in Belgium, held as part of her visit to Brussels for the 2025 Global Gateway Forum.
The meeting brought together chiefs, elders, youth representatives, and members of the Ghana Council.
The Vice President thanked the Ghanaian community for their continued support and contributions to national development and assured them that government remains resolute in protecting the country’s natural resources.
“Illegal mining has caused enough harm to our environment. We will not allow it to continue,” she stated.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang also addressed other national issues, including food safety, import duties, youth indiscipline, labour export, and job creation.
She highlighted government initiatives such as the Adwumawura Initiative and the 24-Hour Economy Policy, which aim to expand employment opportunities both locally and abroad.
She further urged parents to portray Ghana positively to their children and advised the youth to remain disciplined and forward-looking.
Accompanying the Vice President, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, revealed that government is currently reviewing over 2,000 mining licenses issued in the past eight years.
“Between 1988 and 2016, only 88 licenses were issued. But between 2017 and 2024, 2,167 licenses were granted. Some of these will be investigated, and those involved in wrongdoing will be prosecuted,” he stated.
He assured the diaspora that efforts are underway to restore water bodies and forest reserves damaged by illegal mining activities.
The Vice President’s engagement in Brussels underscores government’s broader effort to strengthen ties with the Ghanaian diaspora and involve them in shaping Ghana’s sustainable development and environmental protection agenda.
Source: myxyzonline.com/Akora Kofi Darko
