The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has said the government is working with the Minerals Commission to establish a dedicated department to regulate sand winning and quarry operations across the country.
He said this during the Government Accountability Series in direct response to concerns raised by Angel Online over rampant sand winning in the Lower Volta area.
The report outlined how the activity is destroying communities from Akuse through to Ada and putting roads, water sources, and lives at risk. It also questioned the role of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in addressing the crisis.
Speaking on the issue, Mr. Buah said many operators are working without licenses, while others have expired permits and are not being properly regulated.
“We’re now focusing attention to working with Minerals Commission to make sure there’s a whole department to deal with sand winning, which is critical. To deal with quarry, which is critical. People are operating without licence. Some of them, their licence have been due, and we’re not really regulating them the way we should,” he stated.
The Minister assured that the matter is a top priority for the Ministry.
“But I can assure you that this is something that is on top of our priority. We just began, for example, a quarry exercise this week, and it’s going to continue a whole month, and I will address the issue you just brought,” he added.
The one-month enforcement exercise is expected to target unlicensed operators and ensure compliance with mining and environmental regulations.
