Collaboration Key To Success of GLRSSMP
– Deputy Minister Tells World Bank
George Mireku Duker, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mines, has called on the World Bank to hold up high collaboration and partnership as the foundation towards 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 and community representatives, among others.
According to him, the teamwork being demonstrated has laid the foundation for responsible and sustainable landscape restoration practices to thrive, adding that it is imperative to continue to unite in leveraging strengths and expertise, to create an enabling environment that fosters sustainable landscape restoration and small-scale mining.
Mr. Duker made this call when he joined the GLRSSMP, a team from the World Bank and other stakeholders, on behalf of the sector minister, Samuel A. Jinapor, to open the Kick-off Meeting for the last Implementation Support Mission of the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project in Accra on Tuesday, November 7.
The project, which will be implemented at a cost of US$103million, will support sustainable land, water and forest management initiatives in climate-vulnerable target landscapes and support the formalisation of small-scale mining.
It was launched by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) and the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), with funding from the World Bank.
But speaking at the meeting, the deputy minister expressed optimism, saying that this mission, unfolding from November 7th to 13th, 2023, signifies a crucial phase in the ministry’s quest for sustainable mining practices and restoration of degraded landscapes in Ghana.
Feats
He acknowledged some remarkable achievements of the GLRSSMP since its effectiveness in February, 2022.
From the small-scale mining side of the project, he appreciated the efforts by the project, in collaboration with relevant implementation team, to have inaugurated and built capacity of the District Mining Committees, among others.
On the landscape restoration side, he talked about the total land area covered with wood lot, agro-forestry, riparian vegetation, reafforestation in forest reserves, sustainable agricultural practices and efforts made to strengthen institutions and improve monitoring and coordination.
Mr. Duker opined that their invaluable insights 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 two sector ministers, 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 said it is evident, that under the able leadership of President Akufo-Addo and the sector ministers, Mr.Samuel Jinapor and Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, the government is doing its part in restoring landscape and putting the ASM, Agricultural and the Forestry sectors on a responsible and sustainable path.
Mr. Duker however noted that the ministry is not impressed with the pace of Implementation, which, he revealed was partly due to challenges in developing terms of reference, and technical specifications for procurement items at the implementation agencies and partly due to the delay of the World Bank due diligence processes.
He went on to wish the team a resounding success and a highly productive Implementation Support Mission, stressing that, together, they can seize the opportunity to learn, collaborate and chart a course towards a sustainable and environmentally conscious small-scale mining and landscape sectors in Ghana.
On her part, the Senior Natural Resources Management Specialist with the World Bank, Madhavi M. Pillai, said, their mission is to set right all wavering issues and see how best they can make progress on both aspects of the project in question.
She was of the view that, for the full success of the entire project, the two halves of the project; thus, the Small Scale and Artisanal Mining part and the Landscape Restoration part, must both see progress.
This, she said, can be achieved through constant communication among parties.
The Specialist assured the deputy minister that the World Bank will make every effort to ensure that all the coordinators on this project are fully aware of the bank’s requirements going forward to avoid any delays.
She also emphasized the need for all partners to make good use of their offices in Accra, as their doors are always open to all teams involved for constant communications which she hoped will help resolve most of the issues outlined.
Other 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.
Source: Anchorghana.com
