Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings pledges inter-ministerial coordination on illegal mining, backs styrofoam ban

Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Environment, Science and Technology Minister-designate, highlighted the significance of effective coordination among stakeholders in the fight against illegal mining, or "galamsey" as it is commonly referred to in Ghana. During her vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, 27 August, she emphasized that tackling the issue necessitates a unified approach involving all relevant institutions and partners.

"I do believe that the easiest way to address it (Galamsey) is to have effective coordination between the ministries, departments and the agencies," she stated in response to a question about her approach to combating illegal mining if approved as minister for Environment, Science and Technology. She explained that these illicit activities occur within the realm of local governance and that the decentralized Environmental Protection Authority and various agencies at the local level play a crucial role.

"The regular reporting improves transparency, it also helps us to track the extent of interventions that are making an impact," she added. Dr Agyeman-Rawlings pledged to prioritize interactions with key stakeholders if confirmed by Parliament, aiming to enhance coordination and collective efforts to combat the menace. "To start with, I would want to sit with the relevant ministers of the various ministries that have an interest in the galamsey fight.

This will range from the land as well as the local government to ensure that we are not stuck in the silo effect, and so that is what I will start with," she noted. She emphasized that effective coordination would facilitate the alignment of the work of the diverse institutions involved and create a united front against illegal mining and its detrimental environmental consequences.