Ayariga calls for stronger engagement with mining regulators
Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has called for stronger collaboration between government and institutions responsible for regulating small-scale mining as part of efforts to ensure that mining activities are conducted legally and responsibly.
Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga has urged for enhanced cooperation between the government and entities overseeing small-scale mining regulation to ensure mining operations are carried out legally and responsibly. During his scrutiny before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 27, Ayariga stated that his priority would be to engage with the relevant agencies instead of attempting to influence their designated duties.
He emphasized that the emphasis should be on collaborating to enhance monitoring and adherence to regulations within the mining industry. "My approach will be to engage and make sure they are conducting themselves (Small Scale Mining) lawfully," he asserted. Specifically, Ayariga called for engaging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Minerals Commission, as well as bolstering their ability to oversee mining activities.
He highlighted the necessity for mining engineers and other technical staff to pinpoint where mining is occurring and ensure operators abide by environmental and legal mandates. Ayariga also underscored the significance of reclamation, asserting that those involved in mining must rehabilitate disturbed areas and restore them to their original or functional state.
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