The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) has kicked against proposals for a ban on small-scale mining and threatened to fight any attempts by an institution to do so.
According to the GNASSM, its members are still working to recover the losses and difficulties brought on by the restriction on their operations in 2017.
The call was made in response to the ongoing environmental destruction and harm being done to water bodies around the nation as a result of illegal mining activities.
This menace has compelled the Christian Council of Ghana and other civil society groups to call for an immediate ban on all small-scale mining activities to help fight against illegal mining activities effectively.
At a press conference on October 18, dubbed “Ecumenical Leaders Press Conference on Galamsey,” religious leaders called for an immediate ban on small-scale mining to prevent degradation and pollution of the environment.
However, speaking at a news conference in Kumasi, the General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners, Godwin Armah insisted members of the association would resist attempts to ban their operations.
The Association, he said, had taken note with great concern of recent Ghanaian media discourse on the contamination of rivers and water bodies and environmental damage caused by the country’s illegal mining activities, and was working feverishly to help address the threat.
He described calls for banning small-scale mining as insensitive and a lazy man’s approach in handling the illegal mining issues.
“GNASSM believes that, the regulation of the small-scale mining sector should be a shared responsibility between the Government and the Association together with all other stakeholders and that recent calls by sections of the public for a ban on the small-scale mining sector is preposterous, insensitive and a lazy man’s approach to the issue,” he stated.
The Association demanded a community enforcement approach to address the problem of illegal mining and stated that while it was a national concern, local governments should be structured effectively to control mining in their areas to prevent the problem from spreading.
To manage mining-related issues in the community, they also called for the creation of committees in mining communities. These committees must collaborate closely with the District Mining Committees and will include some traditional leaders, religious leaders, representatives from the youth, and small-scale miners.
GNASSM further proposed a restriction on the importation and use of Chanfang engines, which will make it difficult to dredge water bodies.
Mr. Armah says government officials, especially local assemblies, should ensure their localities are free of illegal mining.
Source: The Independent Ghana