On September 20, 2024, Hon. George Mireku Duker, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, launched the Miners4Bawumia initiative in Akwatia, Eastern Region. He encouraged members to advocate against illegal mining practices in Ghana.
At the launch, miners from various communities expressed their dedication to responsible mining and voiced confidence in Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s leadership to secure their livelihoods.
Hon. Duker assured them that Bawumia recognizes the mining sector’s vital contribution to the economy and is committed to fostering its growth rather than imposing harmful regulations.
He outlined plans for enhanced policies aimed at both promoting responsible mining and addressing illegal operations.
Duker introduced the idea of a Mineral Development Bank, designed to empower Ghanaians to start their own legitimate mining ventures.
He countered recent calls for an outright ban on small-scale mining, asserting that existing laws already prohibit illegal activities, and emphasized the necessity of effective enforcement.
Hon. Ernest Yaw Kumi, the parliamentary candidate for Akwatia from the New Patriotic Party, highlighted the positive socioeconomic impact of small-scale mining, stressing that millions of Ghanaians rely on it for their livelihoods.
He reinforced the party’s stance against a total ban, warning of the detrimental effects it could have on communities.
Mr. Jeff Konadu, the Eastern Regional NPP Chairman, urged miners to remain skeptical of the opposition’s promises.
He praised Hon. Duker for his dedication to advancing the interests of small-scale miners in legislative discussions and called on the NDC’s presidential candidate to clarify his stance on the matter.
Former MP Ama Sey rallied the miners to support the Bawumia 2024 campaign, guaranteeing job protection under a Bawumia presidency.
The leadership of Miners4Bawumia expressed gratitude to Hon. Duker for his support and committed to actively campaigning for Bawumia’s election.