Government has announced plans to convene an emergency engagement with traditional authorities and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) as part of revamped measures to combat illegal small-scale mining across the country.
The proposed stakeholder meeting aims to mobilize local leadership to complement ongoing national efforts against the menace, popularly referred to as galamsey.
Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Mahama Ayariga, who revealed the initiative, explained that relying solely on security agencies has proven insufficient in eradicating illegal mining, making direct collaboration with community leaders imperative.
According to him, the planned engagement will be spearheaded jointly by the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation to ensure local assemblies are well-positioned to take full ownership of the anti-galamsey campaign within their jurisdictions.
Speaking at an official ceremony to hand over new SUV vehicles and operational trucks to MMDCEs nationwide, Mr. Ayariga noted that the distribution forms part of a broader government policy to deepen decentralization and provide local administrations with the requisite tools to execute their mandate efficiently.
The Minister, however, issued a strong warning to the local chief executives against misusing the vehicles, reminding them that their conduct directly reflects the values of the central government.
“We believe in investing in decentralization. We want decentral to work. Our people live in the localities that you govern and so the resources must come to you to be able to govern effectively,” the Minister said.
Highlighting the need for accountability and modest leadership, he urged the executives to maintain public trust.
“The citizens are watching you. They know we’ve given the vehicle to perform an official assignment. You are the face of government… How you use it tells a big story about the humility of this government,” he added.
The Ministry is expected to announce the specific dates and venue for the joint stakeholder strategy session in the coming days.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
