Contrary to nationwide calls and looming protest for government to take immediate steps to clamp down on illegal mining, Deputy Lands and Natural Resources Minister George Mireku Duker is rather charging on small-scale miners who mostly happen to illegal miners to resist proposals advocating for a total ban on their activities.
He emphasized that the small-scale mining sector is essential to Ghana’s economic development, contributing over 8.4% to the nation’s GDP and providing jobs for about one million Ghanaians, compared to fewer than 10,000 employed by large-scale mining companies.
“The small-scale mining sector alone contributes not less than 8.4 percent to our GDP. It is a sector that supports Ghana’s economic growth and it employs more Ghanaian youth. The large-scale mining companies in Ghana employ less than 10,000 workers, but the small-scale mining sector employs about 1 million Ghanaians.
“These people also take care of other relatives and the impact cuts across. If we ban mining, what will be the alternative for these people in terms of jobs?”
Duker highlighted the socio-economic importance of the sector, stressing that banning small-scale mining would lead to widespread job losses and negatively impact the livelihoods of those dependent on it. He further noted the government’s commitment to fostering responsible mining practices and urged communities to support efforts to protect water bodies from illegal mining operations.
Speaking at the launch of the Meretweso Community Mining Scheme in the Central Region, Duker also dismissed claims that community mining schemes contribute to illegal mining. He called on small-scale miners to take a stand against destructive mining activities and to advocate for responsible mining.
