Responsible Small-Scale Miners Association members have vehemently opposed calls for a blanket ban on all forms of mining in Ghana, labelling such proposals as “irresponsible” and misinterpreting the country’s mining laws.
The backlash follows the Akufo-Addo administration’s decision to deploy police and military forces to intensify the crackdown on illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey’.
This action was prompted by growing demands from specific sectors and exceptionally organized labour for a complete ban on all mining activities in Ghana.
At a press conference in Kumasi on Sunday, September 15, the group criticized organized labour for advocating a blanket ban, arguing that it unfairly targets law-abiding miners.
Philip Adjamjobe Bawa, the association’s National President, stated, “We fully support the government’s initiative to combat illegal mining, but including legally responsible mining in this freeze is misguided.
The call for a blanket ban on responsible mining is ill-conceived and insensitively disregards the livelihoods of approximately 6 million people who rely on the small-scale mining industry.”
Bawa emphasized that existing laws prohibit mining within 100 meters of river bodies and in the river bodies. He urged law enforcement agencies to enforce these regulations rigorously. “Those found mining in river bodies should be dealt with according to the law,” he said.
The association has vowed to intensify efforts against illegal mining activities and promised to deliver noticeable improvements in water quality within 60 days. They reassured the public of their commitment to addressing illegal mining challenges.
Ghana’s Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has reported that at least 850 individuals are facing legal proceedings related to illegal mining. In response to the escalating issue, the government established a five-member inter-ministerial committee to engage stakeholders and address the problem.
The committee, chaired by National Security Minister Albert Kan Dapaah, includes Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Samuel Abu Jinapor, Minister for Defence Dominic Nitiwul, Employment and Labour Minister Ignatius Baffour Awuah, and Minister for Information Fatimatu Abubakar.
