Occupy Ghana Demands Explanation Over Lifting Of Small-Scale Mining Ban

Pressure Group, Occupy Ghana has petitioned the Chief Executive officer (CEO) of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Suleimana Dawuda Mahama. to demand for explanations as well as particulars on the proposals by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) towards the lifting of the ban on small-scale mining.

Their concern which has led to their decision to petition the CEO of the lands commission follows a recent announcement of a road map by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining which is expected to be preceded by the lifting of the ban on small scale mining.

The government in last year February imposed a six-month ban on all forms of small-scale mining in a bid to fight illegal mining. The move was to clamp down the destructive activities of illegal miners.

The ban was further extended by several months much to the displeasure of the Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana and related groups.

After a year, an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining announced a road-map towards the lifting of the ban.

But according to Occupy Ghana, the move by Government and the committee is unclear. Hence the need for them to petition the CEO of the lands commission and demand for explanation.

Below is the full petition:
17th September 2018
The Chief Executive Officer
Minerals Commission
Accra
Dear Sir:
RE: PARLIAMENTARY RATIFICATION OF MINERAL RIGHTS, MINING BY FOREIGNERS, AND THE ROADMAP FOR THE LIFTING OF THE BAN ON SMALL-SCALE MINING

OccupyGhana® has taken note of the recent announcement by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) on the roadmap to lifting of the ban placed on artisanal and small scale mining.

While we continue to interrogate what seems to be a hurriedly put together proposal by the IMCIM, we are deeply concerned about your role as the regulator, and wish to seek some clarification, particularly in view of our previous engagement with your office on these matters.

Our primary concern stems from the following three issues, which we have had cause to bring to your attention at various times in 2017:

1. The unconstitutionality of licences and leases granted to persons for the purposes of exploiting Ghana's mineral wealth without specific parliamentary ratification;

2. The legality or otherwise of foreigners, engaged in small scale mining in Ghana; and

3. The devastation of our forests and water bodies by the illegal activities of mining.

In your letter to us dated 3rd May 2017, you said that: “The commission had recommended to the minister to impose a moratorium on granting new licences while the commission carries out a comprehensive review and audit of all small scale mining licences granted to date.”

Further, in meetings with your team in May 2017, we were informed of the existence of the Multilateral Mining Integration Project (MMIP), which sought to solve the identified problems with illegal mining.

We find that the above issues have not been adequately addressed and that is why we write to you to seek clarification as follows:

1. Has Parliamentary Ratification or exemption of Licences been obtained?

2. May we have copies of reports of your comprehensive audit of the sector and the findings?

3. May we also have the list of companies which have been granted small scale mining licences, with the names of owners, addresses and contact numbers and any other relevant information?

4. What is the status of the Multilateral Mining Integration Project proposal and its role, if any, in the new road map?

We kindly request that you furnish us with your response by Monday 24th September 2018.

Yours in the service of God and Country,
OccupyGhana®
CC.:
1. The Minister
Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources
Ministries
Accra
2. The Minister
Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation

Ministries
Accra
3. The Chief of Staff
Jubilee House
Accra
4. The Right Honourable Speaker
Parliament House
Accra