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Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, urged members of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) to continue their mining activities responsibly.
He said there is no existing ban on small-scale mining.
Speaking at a meeting with the Association on Thursday, July 22, 2021 in Kumasi, the Deputy Minister reiterated President Nana Akufo-Addo’s commitment to responsible mining, adding that “mining mining supports Ghana’s economy. Therefore, the government has not and will not ban mining. in the countryside.”
He said the government expects legal small-scale miners to engage in responsible and sustainable mining.
“Your mining activities must match your acquired licenses,” he advised.
He warned, however, that the government would not tolerate irresponsible mining.
The ministry, he said, will soon set up a task force to monitor the operations of miners across the country, stressing that “we want you to do the right things, ditch your old self and take your new clothes. in mining “.
Responding to questions about the community mining program, the deputy minister said the government will engage the Association in the program to ensure inclusion at all levels of mining operations.
Regarding Operation Halt, he said the military had been given a specific task to protect water bodies and forest reserves and advised Association members to post their addresses in their respective concessions in order to avoid unjustified meetings with the military task force.
The deputy minister also announced an annual awards program for the best small-scale mining claims, an initiative that will begin this year to demonstrate best practices and encourage other miners to emulate.
The association’s vice-president, Sampson Kofi Wiredu, expressed concern about the activities of some soldiers in connection with the shutdown, saying the miners were losing their investments as a result.
He noted that the Deputy Minister’s assurances had given the Association a renewed interest and confidence in the government and the sector minister to protect legitimate miners.
Association members pledged to support the government to win the fight against illegal mining.
They came from different mining districts including Wa, Tarkwa, Babiani, Dunkwa-on-Offin and Akim Oda.
—Press room
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