Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has proposed granting equity stakes in mineral resources to traditional leaders within the respective jurisdictions.
He says this will be a major solution to tackling illegal mining activities across the country.
According to the Vice President, the involvement of traditional leaders in land management, in collaboration with their district assemblies, can serve as a deterrent to illegal miners who often exploit loopholes in regulatory systems.
He believes that giving chiefs an equity stake will incentivize them to protect their lands from degradation and promote sustainable mining practices.
"The resource whether it's a gold mine or whatever, when we find gold in your area, then you have a stake in it, an equity stake, the district assembly has an equity stake. Once you have an equity stake, you will not allow the land to be misused.
Dr. Bawumia spoke at an engagement with the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs to kick-start his three-day tour in the region.
His comments come amidst widespread concern among traditional leaders over the environmental impact of illegal mining activities.
The Vice President also proposed that the chiefs be roped into the committees supervising the granting of mining permits in their respective districts.
"We want to make sure that we can regulate the small-scale miners, and make sure the chiefs are part of the district mining committee that will give the licenses to the small-scale miners," he added.
Latest Stories
-
IMF Board to review Ghana’s Programme for $360m disbursement on Dec. 2
26 mins -
Farmers’ Day celebrations set for November 8
50 mins -
How my investigation led to sex trafficking charges against ex-Abercrombie boss
1 hour -
JoySports Invitational Tournament: NIC and Sapholda Ventures win 100m events
1 hour -
Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management boss urges HR leaders to adapt to AI
1 hour -
Ziavi exhibits indigenous culture as it laid to rest Paramount Queen Mother, Mamagã Mawuedi II
2 hours -
Which will you vote for in 2024 Election: Honesty, Character, or Campaign Promises?
5 hours -
The ball is in Iran’s court after US pressure pays off
6 hours -
‘Japa’ sweeps Nigeria’s hospitals
6 hours -
Obuasi: Catholic Voices GH choral peace concert unites NPP, NDC
6 hours -
Lordina Supports NDC campaign in Ketu North with donation of medical equipment to Afife Health Centre
6 hours -
MTN Foundation delivers crucial technology tools to Eastern Regional Hospital
6 hours -
Galien Forum Africa: Enhaning African women’s role in climate and environmental crises
12 hours -
7th Galien Africa Forum ends with emphasis on health, innovation, and climate action in Africa
12 hours -
Ruthless Barcelona thrash Real Madrid to go 6 points clear
13 hours