Former President and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has announced plans to utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) to combat illegal mining, also known as galamsey, in his next administration. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking as the guest of honor at the 3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-scale Mining at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani, Mahama revealed that his administration will employ AI to locate and track small-scale mining and galamsey operations, geofence concessions, and organize the small-scale mining industry to minimize environmental damage. To support sustainable mining practices, Mahama announced plans to establish a special fund to provide mining equipment for mining communities. “A special revolving fund will be established with the private sector to provide capital and a mining equipment pool in each district where gold mining is prevalent. This will facilitate easy and affordable access to relevant mining equipment,” he stated. The Ghana Mining Excellence Centre (GMEC), a collaborative effort between UENR and UMaT (University of Mines and Technology), will play a crucial role in fulfilling these promises. “To support all these brilliant initiatives and ensure that we are implementing them as best as possible, I have announced the launch of a Ghana Mining Excellence Centre (GMEC), to be run initially for five years and which will be coordinated by UENR and UMaT,” Mahama explained. The Centre will collaborate with international scientists to implement joint research and innovation projects, simulating green growth within the Ghanaian mining and minerals industry. This innovative approach aims to strike a balance between mining and environmental protection. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II marked his 25th anniversary as the 16th occupant of the Golden Stool with a pressing call to action, highlighting the devastating impact of illegal mining (Galamsey) on Ghana’s environment. Apexnewsgh reports In his address, the Asantehene emphasized the need for concerted efforts to restore the environment, which has suffered greatly due to destructive Galamsey practices. The Asantehene stressed that it is imperative for the present generation to safeguard the legacy left by their ancestors and urged decisive action to tackle Galamsey by all possible means. He warned that allowing these practices to continue unchecked would harm the environment and compromise Ghana’s future. “Our top priority must be the reclamation of our environment from the ravages of Galamsey,” the Asantehene said. “We cannot be the generation that destroys the most gracious heritage bequeathed to us by our forefathers to satisfy the greed of a few miscreants. For whatever it takes, we must defeat this scourge.” The Asantehene’s urgent call to action echoes the concerns of many Ghanaians and environmentalists, who have been advocating for swift action to address the environmental degradation caused by Galamsey. His leadership and influence are expected to mobilize efforts to combat this menace and protect Ghana’s natural resources for future generations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has revealed a new strategy that the government plans to adopt in its fight against illegal mining in Ghana. Apexnewsgh reports During a walk in Kwahu with supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Bawumia announced that the next NPP government will no longer burn excavators but will instead focus on supporting lawful mining operations. One of the key reforms highlighted by Dr. Bawumia is the establishment of a Minerals Development Bank, which will provide financial assistance to the mining sector. This initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible mining practices while reducing the challenges faced by miners. Dr. Bawumia also took the opportunity to emphasize the NPP’s strong economic growth record compared to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). He criticized NDC leader John Mahama, likening him to a candidate who failed exams and highlighting the NPP’s successful governance. While addressing the supporters, National Chairman Stephen Ntim and General Secretary Justin Kodua echoed messages of hope and unity within the party. The event was attended by several Ministers, government officials, and other prominent figures. The government’s new approach to combating illegal mining signals a significant shift in strategy and a commitment to supporting lawful mining activities in Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com

In an effort to push for more value extraction from solid minerals, Nigeria will only be granting new mining licenses to companies that have a clear plan for processing minerals locally, according to a government spokesperson. Apexnewsgh reports This change signifies a departure from Nigeria’s previous policy of exporting raw materials, as African governments strive to gain more from their mineral deposits. To attract investment, Nigeria will be providing incentives to investors such as tax waivers for importing mining equipment, easier processes for securing electricity generation licenses, full repatriation of profits, and enhanced security measures, as explained by Segun Tomori, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development. In return, companies will need to showcase their plans for establishing a plant and outlining how they will add value to the Nigerian economy. While no specific timeline was provided for the finalization of these guidelines, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, shared that making value addition a requirement for obtaining licenses will help create jobs and benefit local communities. Nigeria, known as Africa’s top energy producer, has faced challenges in capitalizing on its abundant mineral resources due to inadequate incentives and neglect. With the underdeveloped mining sector contributing less than 1% to the country’s GDP, Nigeria aims to attract more investment by issuing additional licenses and employing strategies like the formation of a state-owned minerals corporation and a special security unit to combat illegal mining activities. Last year, Nigeria predominantly exported tin ore and concentrates, totaling approximately 137.59 billion naira ($108.34 million), primarily to China and Malaysia. The government’s goal is to stimulate more investment in the sector by expanding the issuance of licenses and maximizing local benefits from mineral exploration efforts. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com