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Members of Parliament on the Select Committee on Environment, Science and Technology have directed large-scale mining companies operating in the Upper East Region to strictly comply with environmental regulations to curb degradation and protect livelihoods.
The directive was issued during a working visit to Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited and Earl International Group Gold Ghana Limited as part of a nationwide parliamentary oversight tour to assess adherence to environmental standards in the mining sector.
Leading the delegation, the Member of Parliament for the Kumbungu Constituency, Prof. Hamza Adam, said the visit was in fulfilment of Parliament’s constitutional mandate to exercise oversight over ministries, departments and agencies under the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology.
He explained that the committee’s decision to visit mining sites was driven by rising concerns over environmental degradation, illegal mining activities and the effects of climate change on vulnerable communities.
Prof. Adam stressed that although mining is a key contributor to Ghana’s economy, environmental protection must not be compromised, adding that the committee identified gaps during engagements with company management and urged immediate corrective action.
The committee also raised concerns about the impact of illegal mining around the operational areas of Earl International Group Gold Ghana Limited, assuring that Parliament would collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address the challenge.
At Earl International Group Gold Ghana Limited, Assistant Public Relations Officer Albert Azongo briefed the committee on the company’s operations, noting that it employs about 950 Ghanaians, with approximately 80 percent drawn from host communities in the Talensi District.
He added that the company operates an underground mine with a 16.02-square-kilometre lease ratified by Parliament in 2021 and valid until 2033, and disclosed that the firm paid over GH¢30 million in taxes, royalties and statutory payments in 2025, while complying with environmental and mining permit requirements.
Source: Ghana/channel247online.com/ JoshuaAsaah
