Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has categorically rejected calls for a blanket ban on all small-scale mining operations, describing such demands as misdirected and misguided.
He condemned the wanton destruction of major water bodies and the environment by activities of illegal miners, emphasizing that the government will continue to promote responsible mining operations.
Duker maintained that the government has not relented in its commitment to ending illegal mining activities, but stressed the need for concerted efforts to help address the situation.
He argued that a blanket ban on small-scale mining would be a misplaced priority, as it would not address the root causes of the problem.
His remarks come in response to appeals from professional bodies, including the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and other unions, urging President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to impose an immediate ban on small-scale mining as a measure to address the rampant environmental degradation caused by illegal mining activities.
Organised Labour has also served notice that it will embark on a nationwide strike if the government fails to take decisive action to end the devastation caused to water bodies and the environment by illegal mining activities.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Meretweso Community Mining Scheme in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality of the Central Region, Duker stressed that the government will soon deploy river guards to protect the river bodies.
He also revealed that the government is working on a comprehensive plan to address the issue of illegal mining, which will involve the participation of all stakeholders.
Duker criticized former President Mahama’s statement on the matter, saying it was unfortunate and warranted an apology.
He questioned the basis for calling for a ban, asking, “What are the metrics? What analysis have you done?” He personally opposes a blanket ban, stating, “You can’t ban mining.
Why must you ban mining? We need to find a solution that will address the problem without hurting the livelihoods of those engaged in legal mining activities.”
