Officials from the UK-Ghana Gold Programme (UKGGP) and the British High Commission recently convened with mining stakeholders in the Bole District of the Savannah Region to address the persistent challenges in the local gold mining sector.
The forum, which discussed issues related to licensing, formalization, and regulatory enforcement, provided a platform for stakeholders to explore solutions to the problems faced by miners and to support the Bole District Management Committee and District Security Council (DISEC) in curbing unregulated artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM).
The Bole District is home to fifteen mining communities, yet only two—Dakurpe and Tinga—are licensed for community mining activities.
The forum highlighted the significant tax revenue losses attributable to illegal mining, with estimates suggesting that over $2 billion is lost annually due to unregulated gold trade.
Chris Aston, the UKGGP team leader, expressed concern over these financial losses and emphasized the need for the programme’s intervention.
“This engagement has allowed us to explore potential solutions to eliminate illegal practices within the small-scale mining sector.
We aim to enhance community resilience, promote regulatory reform, and bolster law enforcement efforts,” Aston said.
Aston underscored the importance of addressing licensing challenges and finding practical solutions to support miners and traders.
The UKGGP intends to collaborate with local authorities in Bole District and nationally to reform ASGM regulations, ensuring that mining practices are sustainable, safe, and beneficial to the local community.
Mandariwura Gilbert Iddi, Chairman of the forum, commended the UK-Ghana Gold Programme for its advocacy and engagement.
He urged the programme to assist the Bole District Security Committee in combatting crimes and illicit activities within small-scale mining communities.
“The influx of foreign nationals who exploit our gold without paying taxes poses a security threat, particularly amidst rising violent extremism,” Iddi noted.
Miners in the area expressed frustrations over the difficulties in obtaining mining licenses and the lack of support from the central government, leading many to resort to illegal mining.
They highlighted conflicts with large companies over mining areas and appealed to the UK-Ghana Gold Programme for assistance obtaining designated mining blocks.
Bolewura Sarfo Kutuge Feso (I) emphasized the traditional authorities’ readiness to support the UKGGP’s efforts to help small-scale miners acquire licenses.
He pointed out that the local economy heavily relies on mining and that illegal mining has led to increased criminal activities, including armed robbery and murder.
The UK-Ghana Gold Programme, launched on December 5, 2023, in Bole District, is a three-year initiative with a £3.9 million commitment from the UK government.
This programme aims to collaborate with the Ghanaian government and other partners to enhance community resilience, promote regulatory reforms, and support law enforcement in combating illegal gold mining across the Western, Ashanti, and Savannah Regions.
