The District Chief Executive for Birim North, Antwi Hakeem Abdul, has called for a more responsible approach to mining, stressing the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection and community welfare.
Speaking at the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) at Akyem Kotoku in the Eastern Region, Mr. Abdul said while gold has played a vital role in Ghana’s development, irresponsible mining practices have left many communities grappling with environmental destruction.
“Gold has built our homes, paid our school fees, and carried many families through difficult seasons,” he said.
“But gold has also taught us hard lessons. When mining forgets the people, the land cries. The rivers stand against us, and the future grows dim.
”He described the new programme as a significant step towards a mining model that promotes economic prosperity while safeguarding natural resources.
“Today, I am delighted that we are choosing a different path. We are declaring that progress and preservation can work together,” he stated.
Mr. Abdul emphasised that protecting water bodies and farmlands must remain a national priority, arguing that the long-term well-being of communities is far more important than short-term gains from mineral extraction.
“As I always say, we cannot eat gold, but we can drink clean water. Let us mine in a way that protects both,” he said.
According to the DCE, the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme goes beyond policy and represents a commitment to protecting communities and future generations.
“Today’s programme is more than a policy. It is a covenant with our people,” he said.
“It is a covenant with our farmers that their cocoa will not die so that gold can live. A covenant with our mothers that the rivers they depend on will not become poisoned. A covenant with our youth that their lives are worth far more than any ounce of gold.
”He warned that mining loses its true value when it comes at the expense of human lives, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability.
“If a farmer loses his life, the gold loses its value,” he said, calling for a more inclusive and responsible mining culture.
Mr. Abdul explained that responsible mining should create safe and sustainable employment opportunities while ensuring that communities continue to benefit from their land long after mining activities have ended.
“Responsible mining means dignified work, safe pits, trained hands, and communities that are protected, not displaced. It means that when the machines move on, the land can still feed our children,” he noted.
The DCE also commended President John Dramani Mahama for introducing the programme, describing it as a practical and forward-looking response to the challenge of illegal mining.
“It is on this cause that I pour out my heart to His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, for taking a bold initiative that is a direct response and a pragmatic solution to our fight against illegal mining,” he said.
He further pledged the commitment of the Birim North District Assembly to strictly enforce mining regulations and bylaws to protect both residents and the environment.
“As your District Chief Executive, I take this responsibility personally. The Birim North District Assembly will not sleep on this duty. We will enforce our mining bylaws without fear or favour because a law that is not enforced is just good advice,” he stated.
Mr. Abdul also called for stronger collaboration between local authorities, traditional leaders, and community members, stressing that protecting the environment is a collective responsibility.
“We will work hand in hand with Nananom because no one plants a tree for himself alone. We plant for generations we may never meet,” he added.