Mining Conference: Local Government Minister puts Regional Ministers, MMDCEs on notice over illegal mining

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has cautioned Regional Ministers and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) that they will be held responsible for environmental destruction caused by illegal mining activities in their respective jurisdictions.

He said public officials appointed to leadership positions at the regional and district levels must take an active role in addressing illegal mining rather than leave the responsibility to central government.

Mr Ayariga made the remarks at the National Conference for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives on illegal small-scale mining, held in Kumasi on Monday, November 2, 2026.

The conference brought together stakeholders to discuss strategies for tackling illegal mining across the country.

Addressing participants, the Minister urged MMDCEs to take practical measures to prevent illegal miners from operating in their areas.

"You all can be part of the solution by taking pragmatic steps to stop illegal miners from mining," he stated.

He emphasised that tackling the menace required a collective commitment, particularly from local government authorities who were directly responsible for overseeing activities within their jurisdictions.

Mr Ayariga also defended the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, saying he would not remain silent while the latter was unfairly blamed for the country's illegal mining challenges.

"I have decided that I will not sit idle and let people castigate the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, and pretend he is the problem," he added.

He stressed that protecting the country's water bodies, forest reserves and farmlands from destruction was a shared responsibility that demanded decisive action from all local government leaders.

The Minister warned that Regional Ministers and MMDCEs who failed to take appropriate action against illegal mining in their respective areas would be held accountable for the resulting damage.