Editorial: Introduce ISO-14001 to tackle illegal mining holistically

As part of the fight against illegal mining, Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has intensified calls for the introduction of a new law that will mandate using ISO-14001 – an environmental management framework – across all mining operations as part of the country’s fight against illegal mining.

ISO 14001 is the international standard for environmental management systems (EMS) and the most widely used EMS in the world, with over 360,000 ISO 14001 certificates issued globally.

The proposal aims to enforce sustainable mining practices and limit environmental degradation, which is on the rise due to widespread activities of illegal miners across the country.

GSA’s Director-General, Prof. Alex Dodoo, spoke to the issue during the World Standards Day observance in Accra, stressing a need for stricter governance in the mining sector.

“We are pushing very hard to ensure that all companies working in the mining and related areas will be certified to the International Standards that guarantee environmental sustainability – the ISO-14001 series,” said Prof. Dodoo.

He expressed hope that the GSA will work closely with its supervisory ministry – Ministry of Trade and Industry – and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to make these standards compulsory.

Illegal mining has been a persistent issue dominating public discourse  in recent years, with its devastating effects on rivers, forests and local communities beginning to manifest. Organised Labour recently threatened a nationwide strike action to drum home their deep concern.

In view of this concern, it is hoped the proposed legislationwill compel mining companies to obtain certification under the ISO-14001 series – which requires firms to implement, monitor and continually improve environmental management systems.

Each year on October 14, members of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and International Telecommunication Union (ITU) celebrate World Standards Day.

As parliament commenced the fifth meeting of its fourth session yesterday, it is believed commencement of processes to revoke the legislative instrument, Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2023 (L. I. 2462) begins in earnest.

Some analysts have argued that the authority to revoke L.I 2462 lies with the Minister of Environment Science, Technology and Innovation before notifying parliament through a statement on the floor of the house.

Whatever be the case, its revocation is key to tackling the menace of galamsey as emphasised by the broad mass pf public opinion.

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