Mahama Ayariga says MMDCEs must lead fight against illegal mining

Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has asserted that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) hold the primary responsibility for eradicating illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, within their respective jurisdictions. Speaking on the government's strategy to protect natural resources, the Minister emphasized that local leadership is indispensable to the success of any national intervention. He argued that since illegal mining operations occur within specific local government areas, the leaders of those areas must take effective ownership of the crisis.

While acknowledging the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ayariga clarified that these national bodies cannot succeed without dedicated local management. He stressed that the proximity of MMDCEs to the affected sites makes them the most suitable officers to oversee enforcement and monitoring. To support this mandate, the Minister highlighted that the administration of President John Mahama is committed to providing the necessary logistical support to enhance the capacity of local assemblies to confront the menace effectively.

To formalise this localized approach, the Minister announced a major conference scheduled for November 2, 2026, in Kumasi. The summit is designed to harmonise strategies between local authorities and national security agencies, creating a unified front against environmental degradation. The gathering will serve as a critical platform for MMDCEs to align their local enforcement efforts with the broader national security architecture, ensuring a more coordinated and sustainable response to the illegal mining challenge across the country.