The Coalition Against Galamsey has called on the government to make public the Cabinet-approved version of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), to enable civil society organizations to review the proposed changes before they are considered by Parliament.
In a press statement issued on Monday, July 20, the Coalition welcomed the government’s decision to amend the law but stressed that the review must strengthen protections for forests, water bodies, and communities affected by mining.
It cautioned that the amendments would fall short of public expectations if they fail to introduce stronger safeguards against environmental degradation.
“One of the central reasons for this amendment was to provide stronger safeguards for our forests, our water bodies, and the well-being of citizens living in mining hotspot communities. Any amendment or review of Act 703 that fails to guarantee these safeguards is, in our view, as good as dead,” the statement said.
The group therefore urged the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to release the Cabinet-approved amendments of the proposed legislation for public scrutiny.
According to the Coalition, making the draft available to civil society would facilitate informed discussions and allow stakeholders to make meaningful contributions before Parliament considers the bill.
“We therefore formally request that the Ministry share the Cabinet-approved version of the reviewed Act with Civil Society to allow for our study and for meaningful engagement with Parliament before the amended Act is passed,” it said.
