The Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has unveiled plans to deepen the involvement of traditional leaders in mining licensing regimes should he emerge victorious in the upcoming presidential elections.
He stressed that the proposed move, aims to involve traditional rulers in the mineral licensing process, ensuring their participation before any mining activities commence in a specific area.
Dr. Bawumia made this announcement during his Western Regional Campaign Tour, while addressing the Western Regional House of Chiefs on Thursday.
The Vice President highlighted the importance of Chiefs in the decision-making process concerning mineral resources and their impact on local communities.
Explaining further, Dr. Bawumia said, the policy seeks to incorporate Chiefs into his broader mining industry formalisation program, in recognition of their influence and important role at the local level.
The proposal, Dr. Bawumia maintained, will help streamline the mining sector and ensure that Chiefs play a significant role in the licensing of miners.
The Vice President pointed out that involving Chiefs in the mineral licensing process would foster greater collaboration between the government, mining companies, and local communities.
He also emphasised the need for a more inclusive approach that considers the interests of all stakeholders, particularly Chiefs, who, he noted, represent their communities interests.
“We want to formalise small-scale mining, but we cannot be successful without the participation of Chiefs. The Chiefs have to be part of the licensing of miners in their locality.
“They have to be part of the whole process. And so, we have to make the necessary amendments to the Mining Act to do all of this. Decentralise the Mineral Commission to be in the various districts and also decentralise the Environmental Protection Agency.”
