BONO REGIONAL MINISTER JOINS STAKEHOLDERS AT TRANSFORMATIONAL DIALOGUE ON SMALL-SCALE MINING

---

On May 7, 2025, the Bono Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Addae Akwaboa, participated in the 4th Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-Scale Mining held at Sheila’s Executive Hotel. He attended the event as the special guest of honor and was warmly received by organizers and participants.

The event, organized under the theme “Eliminating Illegal Mining in Ghana—The Will and Bill,” focused on addressing the persistent challenges of illegal mining and the importance of regulatory and community-based solutions.

It brought together representatives of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners, Association of Women in Mining in Africa and Ghana, the Regional House of Chiefs, Large-Scale Mining companies, students and civil society organisations, among others.

Hon. Akwaboa emphasized the urgent need for collective action in tackling illegal mining, highlighting that environmental sustainability and responsible mining practices are essential to Ghana’s long-term development.

He commended the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) for leading this critical dialogue and bringing together stakeholders from across the mining sector, academia, and government. The Minister called for continued collaboration to establish lasting partnerships, promote the exchange of best practices, and implement actionable recommendations.

Hon. Akwaboa said the fight against galamsey required not only robust laws and regulation but also unwavering commitment and political will.

“Therefore, the fight against galamsey was not about law enforcement, it was also not about leadership, governance, education and community empowerment but a moral and sacred duty we bear for future generations,” he said.

Hon. Akwaboa urged the participants to go beyond dialogue, use the platform to forge real partnerships, share best practices, and provide recommendations that would shape the future of small-scale mining in Ghana.

Hon. Akwaboa expressed confidence that through unified efforts, Ghana can build a small-scale mining sector that is not only environmentally sustainable but also economically beneficial to all citizens.

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that protect natural resources and ensure a prosperous future for generations to come.

The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Dr. Murtala Mohammed Ibrahim, in a speech read on his behalf, expressed the government’s commitment to fund the remediation of polluted rivers and reclaim contaminated farmlands.

Hon. Dr. Murtala Mohammed said his ministry was committed to strengthening partnerships with institutions to seek science-driven, community-centred solutions to the crisis of environmental degradation.