Illegal mining in Ghana has been a major issue of concern due to its implications on the environment, livelihood and lives of people. Despite the overwhelming evidence, successive administrations have struggled to stop this act due to its complexities. Rights and Advocacy Initiatives Network (RAIN) in collaboration with ClientEarth (a UK Law and Charitable Firm) organized a 2-day training for some selected women in the forestry sector at True Vine Hotel in Kumasi on the 3rd and 4th of May, 2023 on mining in Ghana. The purpose of the training was to educate participants on the legal and regulatory framework for mining.

To enhance evidence-based advocacy, the participants visited some mining areas in the Ashanti Region to understand the impact of illegal mining on the environment. As professional women, the team also discussed the implications of mining on gender and the role they could play to help the national agenda in addressing the menace.

Mr. Samuel Oteng (Ashanti Regional Director, Environmental Protection Agency) took participants through the regulatory framework and implications of mining on the environment (forest, water and food) and individuals.

Finally, the legal session was facilitated by Lawyer Dennis Martey of Taylor Crabbe Innitiative(TCi), he exposed participants to the legal regime for minerals and mining in Ghana.