Ophelia Mensah Hayford (R), Robert Taliercio O’Brien (2nd R) and Mr. Krugu inspecting the gold kacha
Minister Designate for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ophelia Mensah Hayford, has emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing and, where possible, eliminating mercury use in Ghana’s Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector.
The decision stems from concerns over the improper handling, storage, use, and disposal of mercury, leading to documented cases of mercury intoxication and poisoning among miners and residents in ASGM communities.
Addressing the Regional Meeting of the Africa Environmental Health and Pollution Management Programme in Accra, Madam Mensah highlighted that while section 96 of the Minerals and Mining Act 2006, Act 703 permits mercury use in ASGM in Ghana, the inhalation of mercury vapor can have detrimental effects on various bodily systems due to its improper handling.
She underscored that artisanal small-scale gold mining significantly contributes to mercury emissions, prompting Ghana’s adherence to the Minamata Convention on mercury.
This commitment obligates Ghana to minimize the impact of ASGM by promoting community mining and adopting mercury-free gold extraction and processing methods.
Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), John Kingsley Krugu, highlighted the agency’s efforts in enforcing the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Control and Management Act, Act 917, 2016.
He noted progress in e-waste management, including the development of a Communication Strategy for stakeholder engagement along the e-waste value chain.
Kingsley Krugu established that the Agency has also identified various sites in collaboration with private sector partners for the commencement of construction works for collection and dismantling centres across the country.
Robert Taliercio O’Brien, Country Director for the World Bank in Ghana, called for global collaboration to develop national action plans aimed at reducing or eliminating mercury use in the sector, underscoring the importance of addressing mercury pollution collectively with U.N. agencies.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke