On Monday, 31st July, 2023, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, teamed up with the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, the Rt. Hon. James Cleverly, to launch an innovative program aimed at supporting Ghana's efforts to combat illegal mining.

Named the UK-Ghana Gold Mining Programme, this initiative seeks to eradicate illegal activities associated with small-scale mining by enhancing community resilience, advocating for regulatory reforms, and bolstering law enforcement efforts.

The program's implementation will focus on the Ashanti, Savannah, and Western Regions of Ghana.

The Minister expressed the historical bond between Ghana and the United Kingdom, highlighting their collaborative efforts in executing impactful socio-economic policies and initiatives for the benefit of their citizens.

The gold mining program represents another significant joint endeavor by the two nations to address an important issue.

Hon. Samuel Jinapor pointed out that this initiative will complement existing government measures in the fight against illegal mining, such as the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP), Community Mining Schemes, and various law enforcement strategies.

Furthermore, he emphasized the strategic importance of the small-scale mining sector in Ghana's economic development. The government's interventions aim to address the sector's challenges and promote sustainable and environmentally-friendly small-scale mining practices.

“The relationship between Ghana and the UK has been long-standing. The Ghanaian government has taken the issue of illegal mining seriously because apart from the impact o on our economy, its impact on the environment is dire. The government has taken some very bold steps like NALEP, Community Mining Scheme to ensure that we have community miners who adhere to be highest level of operational measures,” he said.

He commended the UK Government for the initiative, describing it as a ‘huge impetus’ and boost to the fight waged by Government against illegal mining.

He assured the preparedness of his Ministry to work effectively with the UK team to deliver in the programme.

The UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs praised the Ghanaian government for its strong actions against illegal mining, recognizing it as a courageous effort to serve the best interests of Ghanaians and protect them from the adverse environmental effects of illegal mining.

Expressing pride in the association with Ghana's fight, the UK government pledged its commitment to provide necessary resources and personnel to support the cause.

Under the newly launched illegal gold-mining program, the UK and Ghanaian governments will collaborate closely to enhance community resilience, advocate for regulatory reforms, and bolster law enforcement efforts.

Over the course of three years, the UK government will contribute £3.9 million to complement Ghana's endeavors in curbing illegal gold-mining activities in the Western, Ashanti, and Savannah Regions.

To ensure the program's success and effectiveness, experts and officials from the UK government will collaborate with a Technical Team at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. Together, they will work towards achieving the program's objectives and creating a positive impact on the small-scale mining sector in Ghana.