The Chief Director of MEST Hosts ACID Delegation to Discuss Collaborative Efforts Against Illegal Mining

On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), Ms. Suweibatu Adams, hosted a delegation from the Africa Center for Integrity and Development (ACID)at the Ministry’s Conference Room.

The delegation visited the Ministry to propose a collaborative roundtable discussion aimed at strengthening efforts in the fight against the illegal mining menace, popularly known as galamsey, which has continued to pose serious environmental and socio-economic challenges in Ghana.

During the engagement, both parties discussed the urgent need for coordinated stakeholder engagement and innovative strategies to address the negative impacts of illegal mining. The discussions focused on environmental restoration, enforcement of mining regulations, community education, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoodsin affected areas.

The Chief Director reaffirmed MEST’s commitment to supporting initiatives that curb illegal mining and emphasized the Ministry’s willingness to collaborate with civil society organizations, local communities, and other government agencies to ensure effective and sustainable interventions.

The meeting also provided a platform to explore practical solutions, including policy recommendations, research-driven strategies, and advocacy programs that could complement existing government efforts in the fight against galamsey.

Both MEST and ACID agreed on the importance of continuous dialogue, joint planning, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that collaborative actions translate into meaningful outcomes for environmental protection and socio-economic development.

The Chief Director thanked the ACID delegation for their proactive engagement and encouraged ongoing partnerships to promote integrity, transparency, and accountability in combating illegal mining across Ghana.