John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, has announced a strategic move to decentralize mining regulatory agencies in mining districts under the next NDC administration.  

The objective is to enhance licensing procedures and ensure effective supervision of mining activities for effective environmental protection. Under this proposal, Mr. John Dramani Mahama said, a district mining office will be established in every mining district tasked with registering all excavators and monitoring ongoing mining operations. 

Mahama envisions the engagement of graduates from the University of Mines and Technology, who will be employed and attached to small-scale miners.

Their role will be to provide support and guidance, fostering adherence to best practices that prioritize the protection of river bodies and forests.

Furthermore, Mr. Mahama highlighted plans to employ the youth in reclamation efforts, focusing on growing trees in mined areas to restore ecological balance. He said this when addressing miners and timber merchants at Akyem Nsutem in Fanteakwa South district to wrap up his two-day tour of the Eastern Region. 

The miners and timber merchants pledged to support Mahama's return to power. They appealed for the initiation of policies that expedite the licensing regime in mining while safeguarding the small-scale mining sector, seen as the backbone of the local economy.

Sompaononline.com/Kwabena Nyarko