Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe, Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central, in partnership with the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Wassa Amenfi Central, Hon. Peter Amponsah, has convened a stakeholder consultative meeting to promote responsible mining practices in line with national environmental and economic goals.
The event, held at the Jabistep Hotel in Agona Amenfi, brought together a wide range of players in the mining sector, including small-scale miners, gold buyers, excavator operators, “one-leg” operators, “chanfang” operators, and “dig and wash” operators. Also in attendance were prominent political figures such as Mr. Joseph Yamin, National Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and Mr. Mustapha Gbande, Deputy National Secretary of the NDC and Director of Operations at the Presidency.
In his opening remarks, DCE Hon. Peter Amponsah stated that the meeting was initiated by the MP to unite stakeholders in the mining sector and educate them on responsible, sustainable mining in line with government policies.
Mr. Mustapha Gbande commended Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe for her proactive leadership. He emphasized that under the Mahama-led administration, the NDC is committed to protecting vital natural resources such as water bodies, farmlands, and forest reserves. He urged all miners to operate legally by securing appropriate licenses and to prioritize land reclamation after mining activities. Gbande also criticized the previous administration for issuing over 2,000 mining leases—some to foreign nationals—under the pretense of promoting community mining, which he said contributed to significant environmental degradation.
Mr. Joseph Yamin echoed these sentiments, condemning the use of mercury and heavy machinery in small-scale mining operations. He called for the establishment of a local task force to monitor and regulate mining activities and emphasized the importance of proper licensing and environmental stewardship. Yamin also highlighted the role of gold in stabilizing the national economy, underscoring the need for responsible mining.
Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe raised concerns over the activities of security operatives from other districts, alleging that their interference was disrupting legal mining operations within Amenfi Central. She urged for better coordination and respect for local authority.
The MP also appealed to the government for urgent infrastructural development in the district, calling for the construction of a district hospital, improvements to the road network, enhanced educational infrastructure, and access to clean water—all of which she described as essential to improving the lives of her constituents.
The consultative forum marked a significant step toward aligning local mining practices with sustainable development principles and strengthening cooperation between stakeholders, traditional authorities, and political leadership.
Story by Sheila Otuo Baffour