Small-Scale Mining Gets a Boost: Miners4Bawumia Launches to Promote Responsible Mining
In a significant move to promote responsible mining practices, Hon. George Mireku Duker, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, launched the Miners4Bawumia group in Akwatia, Eastern Region, on Friday, September 20, 2024. The launch saw hundreds of miners from various communities affirm their commitment to responsible mining and express confidence in Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s leadership ¹.
No Ban on Small-Scale Mining
Allaying fears of a ban on small-scale mining, Hon. Duker assured miners that Dr. Bawumia recognizes the sector’s enormous contribution to Ghana’s economy and will not implement policies to cripple it. Instead, Dr. Bawumia plans to improve the sector and sanitize illegal mining through policies and measures ¹.
Mineral Development Bank
Dr. Bawumia has promised to establish a Mineral Development Bank to empower Ghanaians to establish mining companies that engage in responsible mining ¹.
Fighting Illegal Mining
Hon. Duker charged miners to join the government’s fight against illegal mining and improve the sector. He emphasized that existing laws already prohibit illegal mining, and enforcement is key ¹.
Socioeconomic Impact
Hon. Ernest Yaw Kumi, NPP’s parliamentary candidate for Akwatia, highlighted the socioeconomic benefits of small-scale mining, which supports over 5 million Ghanaians. He reiterated the NPP’s stance against banning the sector, citing severe consequences for many Ghanaians ¹.
NPP’s Commitment
Mr. Jeff Konadu, Eastern Regional NPP chairman, urged miners to reject the NDC’s “empty promises.” He praised Hon. Duker’s efforts in advancing small-scale miners’ interests and challenged the NDC’s presidential candidate to declare their stance on the issue ¹.
Miners’ Support
Ama Sey, former MP for the area, rallied miners to support Dr. Bawumia’s 2024 campaign, promising job protection under his leadership. The Miners4Bawumia leadership expressed gratitude to Hon. Duker and pledged to campaign for Dr. Bawumia’s presidency ¹.
This development is a significant boost to small-scale mining in Ghana, emphasizing responsible practices and socioeconomic benefits. With the Miners4Bawumia group on board, the sector is poised for growth and improvement.
