The Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, has urged stakeholders to consider integrating gender perspectives into the grant of mining leases and concessions under a decentralized scheme.
This would streamline the process and reduce the time it takes to obtain a mining lease.
He emphasized that the Sustainable Development Goals recognize women’s land rights as crucial for achieving poverty reduction, food security, and improved nutrition.
The Minister noted that Ghana has ratified international treaties and conventions that promote gender equality and has incorporated them into domestic laws.
He stressed that gender mainstreaming is essential for effective land restoration.
Speaking at a roundtable discussion on gender issues in post-mining land restoration, the Minister highlighted the importance of engaging in dialogue to evaluate the situation and propose best practices for policy considerations.
He acknowledged that while mining companies often plan and execute mining concessions, small-scale unregistered operators, known as ‘galamsey operators’, may not engage in mine planning and closure, and therefore may not undertake land restoration efforts.
The Minister emphasized the need for modalities to restore degraded forest lands caused by illegal mining, to combat climate change effects.
He tasked the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to develop research-based projects and policy proposals to restore degraded lands in the Western Region.
He suggested approaches to gender mainstreaming, including supporting gender-responsive policies, laws, and regulations that protect and enhance women’s rights.
The Minister expressed confidence that the policy proposals resulting from the programme will reflect the needs and aspirations of mining communities, particularly women.”
