Representing the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, responsible for Mines, the Advisor to the Minister on Mines, Mr. Benjamin Aryee played a key role in a panel discussion during the ongoing Mining Indaba Conference in Cape Town, South Africa.
The panel delved into the critical theme of Breaking the Taboo: a Genuine Conversation about Tackling Corruption Risks in an Increasingly Competitive Environment
In his insightful presentation, Mr. Aryee defined corruption as a behavior favoring specific individuals or groups at the expense of others or society at large.
Acknowledging the challenge of detecting and addressing corruption due to its often secretive nature, he emphasized its potential occurrence across the entire extractives value chain.
Highlighting the risks posed to individuals, stakeholder groups, communities, and the nation, Mr. Aryee underscored the Ghanaian government’s conscious efforts to combat corruption. He noted Ghana’s pioneering role in signing onto the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and being the first to subscribe to EITI for hard rock mining.
Mr. Aryee outlined the government’s commitment to transparency in the Mining Sector, citing initiatives like the 24/7 online mineral licensing system for small-scale miners. He emphasized that transparency, complemented by the rule of law and effective institutions, forms a crucial part of the government’s strategy against corruption.
Acknowledging Ghana’s prominence in gold production, Mr. Aryee addressed the complexities of combating corruption in the predominantly informal Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) sector. He highlighted the government’s efforts to formalize the ASM sector as part of its comprehensive anti-corruption approach.
Mr. Aryee emphasized the three-pronged role of the government in fighting corruption: setting the tone through policies and laws engaging stakeholders, and enforcing compliance.
Other panelists were also made up of people from the EITI, Civil Societies, and Industries.
