On Monday 31st July, 2023, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Jinapor, MP, partnered with the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, James Cleverly, has launched the UK-Ghana Gold Mining Programme.
This new initiative aims to support Ghana in its efforts to combat illegal mining activities.
The UK-Ghana Gold Mining Programme focuses on eliminating illegalities associated with the small-scale mining sector by enhancing community resilience, promoting regulatory reforms, and providing support to law enforcement agencies.
The program will be implemented in the Ashanti, Savannah, and Western Regions of Ghana.
During the launch ceremony held at the Kotoka International Airport, Minister Jinapor highlighted the historic relationship between Ghana and the United Kingdom.
He emphasized that both countries have collaborated on various socio-economic policies and initiatives that have greatly benefited their citizens.
The gold mining program is yet another joint effort to address a pressing issue.
Minister Jinapor emphasized the importance of the small-scale mining sector in Ghana’s economic development.
He acknowledged that several interventions have been undertaken by the government to address the challenges in the sector and promote sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
He praised the UK Government for its support, describing the initiative as a significant boost to the government’s ongoing fight against illegal mining.
He assured the UK team of his ministry’s full cooperation and commitment to achieving the program’s objectives.
The UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs commended the Ghanaian government’s efforts in cracking down on illegal mining. He recognized the fight as a bold step to protect Ghanaians from the negative environmental impacts caused by illegal mining.
The three-year illegal gold-mining program will see the UK government contribute £3.9 million to complement Ghana’s efforts in the Western, Ashanti, and Savannah Regions.
Experts and officials from the UK government will collaborate with a technical team from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to ensure the effectiveness and success of the program.