Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has firmly opposed calls for a blanket ban on all small-scale mining operations, describing such demands as misdirected.
While condemning the significant environmental damage and pollution of water bodies caused by illegal mining activities, Duker emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to promoting responsible mining practices.
Responding to recent appeals from various professional bodies, including the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and other unions, which urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to impose an immediate ban on small-scale mining, Duker stated that such a move would be a “misplaced priority.” These organizations argue that a ban is necessary to combat the widespread environmental degradation caused by illegal mining.
Organised Labour has also threatened a nationwide strike if the government fails to take decisive action against the destruction of water bodies and the environment due to illegal mining.
However, at the commissioning of the Meretweso Community Mining Scheme in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality of the Central Region, Duker reiterated his stance against a general ban on small-scale mining. He pointed out that instead of a ban, more targeted efforts should be made to address the illegal activities causing harm.
Duker also announced that the government would soon deploy river guards to protect water bodies, reinforcing its commitment to curbing illegal mining.
He criticized those advocating for the ban, questioning the basis and analysis behind their demands.
“It is misdirected because I was expecting them to have condemned the statement made by his excellency the former President Mahama before even calling for this action because you can’t just in a way out of the blue you just say put a ban. Ban on what.
“What are the metrics, what have you done. What analysis have you done. The statement President Mahama made was unfortunate so why didn’t they in a way ask him to apologise.”
“Secondly, yes people are destroying our waterbodies there are measures we need to take to clamp down recalcitrants who are destroying our waterbodies, and I agree with them perfectly…But I am against it.
“Personally against the call for the ban on mining generally. You can’t ban mining. Why must you ban mining,” he said.
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