The Mahama government advocates for strict regulation of small-scale mining to protect legal miners, promote environmental responsibility, increase revenue, and curb illegal mining activities effectively.
President John Mahama’s government has dismissed calls for a nationwide ban on small-scale mining, arguing that such a move would disrupt legitimate businesses and hinder economic growth within the sector.
Government officials maintain that while illegal mining remains a challenge, imposing a blanket ban would unfairly penalise responsible small-scale miners who adhere to approved practices.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in Bolgatanga, Sammy Gyamfi, Acting Director of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), reinforced the government’s position.
“John Mahama says he will not ban small-scale mining,” Gyamfi stated, emphasising the administration’s commitment to regulating the sector rather than shutting it down.
He praised small-scale miners in the Upper East Region for their adherence to responsible mining methods, particularly their efforts in extracting gold from hard rock while protecting the environment.
“If you are looking for a region where small-scale miners engage in responsible hard-rock mining, you are number one. We thank you for that and hope others will learn from your example. Even those engaged in alluvial mining should adopt responsible practices,” he added.
Gyamfi argued that banning small-scale mining entirely would not solve the problem of illegal mining but instead deprive the country of much-needed revenue.
“Those calling for a blanket ban on small-scale mining are wrong. There are responsible miners and those who are not. You cannot lump them together and punish everyone by shutting down mining. A ban will not fix the issue; rather, it will hurt the economy,” he stated.
He cited past experiences to support his argument, recalling a previous government’s attempt to ban small-scale mining in 2017, which lasted until 2018 but failed to end illegal mining.
“Did that ban stop galamsey? No. Instead, it pushed illegal mining further underground,” he said.
“Did that ban stop galamsey? No. Instead, it pushed illegal mining further underground,” he said.
Strengthening regulation, not banning mining
Gyamfi stressed that the government’s focus is on supporting legal small-scale miners while taking decisive action against illegal operators.
The discussion formed part of a broader dialogue on the proposed Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD), a regulatory body aimed at formalising small-scale mining, curbing illegal activities, and ensuring compliance within the sector.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Minerals Commission, the Bank of Ghana’s gold-buying desk, and the technical committee for the Ghana Gold Board.
Discussions centered on the proposed bill to establish GOLDBOD, its mandate, and the roles of key players within Ghana’s mining value chain.
The government aims to collaborate with industry stakeholders to implement policies that promote responsible mining, maximise revenue generation, and ensure sustainable development in the sector.
Source: Asaaseradio
