Parliamentary Committee Vows to Tackle Mining Sector Challenges, Calls Galamsey a "Major Problem"

This declaration followed a two-day fact-finding tour by the committee to several mining companies, which concluded at the Ghana Manganese Company (GMC) in the Western Region.

Hon. Nanja, speaking to journalists, stated that the primary purpose of the tour was to gain first-hand insight into the operations and specific challenges of the mining firms to inform parliamentary action.

“We came to know about their work and the challenges they face, which we have promised to take up so that we can experience a better Ghana,” Nanja said.A significant point of discussion was Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). While the Deputy Chairman commended the mining companies for their efforts, he acknowledged a palpable disconnect between these initiatives and the expectations of host communities.

“I think the mining companies are doing very well. But listening to their communities, it's like their best is not enough for the community, and we have to look at all those things, looking at the amount of money,” he noted, highlighting a need for greater alignment between corporate spending and community perceived benefits.

However, the overwhelming challenge identified, which transcends individual companies, is the devastating impact of galamsey. Nanja revealed that the illegal activity is no longer limited to gold mining areas but has aggressively encroached upon other mineral operations, including manganese.

“One of the challenges is the galamsey, especially to the gold mining companies. And as well… it is also affecting the operations of the manganese,” he explained. “The illegal miners, we are told, encroach on some of the concessions and do their own thing, and then specifically on the railways and the refinery for manganese.”

He emphasized the pervasive nature of the problem, stating, “I think the issue of galamsey is a major problem across the mining companies. Be it manganese or gold, and we as members of parliament and representatives of the people, whatever will benefit the Ghanaian is in our interest.”

In response to these findings, the Deputy Chairman pledged the committee’s commitment to acting as a liaison between the industry, the communities, and the government. The goal is to forge collaborative solutions that ensure the nation derives maximum benefit from its mineral resources.

“We will also do our best to see how the government can make allocations and collaborate with the companies so that the best of them can be felt by the country,” Nanja assured.The Select Committee is expected to compile a formal report detailing its observations and recommendations. This report will likely serve as a basis for future parliamentary debates and policy directives aimed at strengthening the mining sector, curbing illegal mining, and ensuring that mining revenues translate into tangible developmental benefits for all Ghanaians.

Source: Nana Esi Brew Monney

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