The Minerals Commission lacks the mandate to authorize small-scale mining in forest reserves or water bodies, according to Executive Director of the Center for Extractives and Development, Africa, Samuel Osei Bekoe.

Speaking on Joy News on Tuesday, February 25, he asserted that any small-scale mining activity permitted by the Minerals Commission in these areas is unlawful and must be addressed.

Tasked with policy development and enforcement in the mining sector, the Minerals Commission plays a crucial regulatory role. However, Mr Bekoe highlighted that its authority does not extend to granting licenses for operations in environmentally sensitive zones.

His remarks come amid growing concerns over illegal mining, known as galamsey, which has caused extensive environmental degradation.

Despite government measures, including military interventions and stricter regulations, illegal miners continue to operate, threatening Ghana’s natural resources.

Bekoe urged the government to take decisive action to safeguard the country’s forests and water bodies from further destruction.

“The Minerals Commission does not have any right to issue a licence for small-scale mining in water bodies or forest reserves. This means that anyone operating in these areas as a small-scale miner is doing so illegally. That is why we are calling for a state of emergency on the water bodies and forest reserves,” he stated.