Hon. George Mireku Duker, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources during the Implementation Support Mission (ISM) Kick-off meeting on Tuesday, 7th November, 2023, emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnership for the success of the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project (GLRSSMP). He said as partners, their achievements so far have been possible due to the collective efforts of the Government of Ghana, other funding partners, key implementing agencies, small-scale miners, farmers, local authority, the traditional authority, community representatives and each and every one of us gathered for the meeting.
He reminded the house that together, they have laid the foundation for responsible and sustainable landscape restoration practices to thrive. The Deputy Minister highlighted some achievements of the project so far, including the inauguration and capacity building of District Mining Committees on the small-scale mining aspect of the project, as well as efforts in landscape restoration such as woodlot coverage, agro-forestry, riparian vegetation, and sustainable agricultural practices. He expressed optimism about the ongoing Implementation Support Mission and stressed the importance of leveraging knowledge, strengthening partnerships, and igniting positive change in various sectors of Ghana.
Hon. George Mireku Duker opined that the invaluable insights from the World Bank will help uncover gaps and areas that require improvement. Stressing that “Now is the time to enhance our knowledge, strengthen our partnerships, and ignite positive change in the country. Ghana’s artisanal small-scale mining, agricultural, forestry, the wildlife and the cocoa sectors of our beloved country, Ghana”
On behalf of the Sector Ministers of MLNR and MESTI, he expressed gratitude to the World Bank, alongside the Project Coordinating Units (PCUs), for organizing this biannual Implementation Support Mission. “Your support and collaboration have been invaluable in monitoring the progress of the project and identifying any issues or risks that may hinder its timely and effective completion”. he stated. He added that it is evident, that under the abled leadership of H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Sector Ministers, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor (MLNR) and Hon. Dr. Kwaku Afriyie (MESTI), the Government is doing its part in restoring landscape and putting the ASM, Agricultural and the Forestry sectors on a responsible and sustainable path.
Acknowledging the challenges faced in implementation including delays in developing terms of reference and technical specifications, as well as World Bank due diligence processes, the Deputy Minister mentioned the ministry was not impressed with the pace of project implementation. However, he expressed confidence in the team’s ability to achieve success during the Implementation Support Mission and chart an improved course towards a sustainable and environmentally conscious small-scale mining and landscape sectors in Ghana.
Madhavi M. Pillai, the Senior Natural Resources Management Specialist from the World Bank, emphasized their mission was to set right all wavering issues and see how best they can make progress on both aspects of the project in question. She assured the Deputy Minister that the World Bank would ensure effective communication and help overcome any issues to facilitate progress. She also emphasized the need for all partners to make good use of their offices in Accra, as their doors are always opened to all teams involved for constant communications which she hoped will help resolve most of the issues outlined.
Parties involved in the Kick-off Meeting include the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project (GLRSSMP), Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Cocobod, Minerals Commission and the Forestry Commission.