Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has announced intentions to enhance the participation of traditional leaders in mining licensing processes if he wins the upcoming presidential elections.
He emphasized that this proposed amendment aims to engage traditional Chiefs in the mineral licensing process, guaranteeing their involvement before the commencement of any mining activities in a particular area.
Dr. Bawumia delivered this statement during his campaign tour in the Western Region, where he spoke to the Western Regional House of Chiefs on Thursday.
He stated that the proposed amendment is designed to integrate Chiefs into his comprehensive formalization program for the mining industry. This initiative is intended to enhance efficiency in the mining sector and empower Chiefs to have a key role in the licensing of miners.
He highlighted that the participation of Chiefs in the mineral licensing procedure would promote better cooperation among the government, mining firms, and residents. He underscored the importance of a more inclusive strategy that takes into account the concerns of all parties involved, with a special focus on Chiefs as representatives of their communities.
We want to formalize small-scale mining, but we cannot be successful without the participation of Chiefs. The chiefs have to be part of the licensing of miners in their locality.
They have to be part of the whole process. And so, we have to make the necessary amendments to the Mining Act to do all of this. Decentralize the Mineral Commission to be in the various districts, and decentralize the Environmental Protection Agency.
