Mahama accuses government of mishandling small-scale mining sector

Mahama accuses government of mishandling

Former President John Dramani Mahama, a leading figure in the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has charged that the Akufo-Addo administration is mismanaging the mining industry.

According to Mr. Mahama, the nation’s small-scale miners have had enough of the government’s mismanagement of the industry during the last seven years, including equipment seizures and, in certain situations, the deaths of innocent Ghanaians. However, he has listed certain changes he would make for the industry.

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“Let me share with you a few of what I intend to do in this sector, some key proposals and initiatives we will implement to help us achieve what should be a sustainable, responsible, and prosperous small-scale mining sector,” he said on Wednesday, May 15, at the University of Energy and Natural Resources’ “3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-scale mining.” According to him, the NDC has suggested creating district mining offices in each of the nation’s mining regions.

“These offices, staffed by representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Minerals Commission, and other agencies, will herald in a new era of efficiency and transparency, expediting the mining license application process and providing hope and optimism to small-scale miners.

Additionally, the best mining techniques will be introduced, guaranteeing the sustainability and safety of mining methods.

The devastating effects of illegal mining, including galamsey, have become increasingly evident, with the destruction of forests and cocoa farms being a stark reality. To combat this, we will take decisive action to protect cocoa farms from mining activities and effectively ban the issuance of entry permits into forests. Moreover, mining in water bodies will be strictly prohibited.

Recognizing the vital role traditional leaders play in our society, we will ensure their inclusion in the crucial process of granting mining licenses in their communities. This demonstrates our commitment to inclusivity and respect for all stakeholders. To achieve this, we must strengthen regulatory institutions such as the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Geological Survey Authority, and Natural Resources Universities.

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This will involve a multi-faceted approach encompassing laws, policies, regulatory enforcement, and education. Miners must be aware of the regulations and their rationale, serving as partners in this transformation rather than adversaries. By working together, we can ensure responsible mining practices that prioritize environmental sustainability and community well-being.

The protection of cocoa farms and forests is crucial for the preservation of our natural resources and the livelihoods of communities dependent on them. By banning entry permits into forests and prohibiting mining in water bodies, we can prevent further destruction and promote eco-friendly mining practices.

The inclusion of traditional leaders in the mining license process will provide valuable insights into local concerns and ensure that mining activities align with community interests. By strengthening regulatory institutions, we can enforce laws and policies effectively, educating miners on the importance of responsible mining practices.

Through this comprehensive approach, we can transform the mining sector, prioritizing sustainability, inclusivity, and community engagement. By working together, we can ensure a brighter future for generations to come.

The recent aggressive strategy has proven to be unsustainable. He continued, saying that it has only made the battle against galamsey worse and created an environment where some political players and their task force teams benefit from the agreement. “I also see a systemic change of the mining industry.

The small-scale mining industry in Ghana may be the only one with just two classifications: small and large. While some small-scale mines have outgrown their classification as “small,” they still fall short of being classified as large-scale.

With a thorough reclassification into Small-scale (SSM), Medium-scale (MSM), and Large-scale (LSM) mining, each with specially designed operational, environmental, and safety criteria, my government will structurally restructure the whole mining industry, he declared.

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