The maiden edition of the Ghana Responsible Gold Mining Summit has been scheduled to take off on April 7 and 8, 2022, at the Manhyia Palace in the Ashanti Region.
This summit is part of efforts to promote responsible mining and also to clamp down on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, especially in the Ashanti Region, where the activities of illegal miners are very rife.
Amidst the escalating dangers of illegal mining, advocacy on the need to eradicate the canker has become necessary.
Most water bodies have been destroyed, as have vast areas of the country’s land resources.
In view of this, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has deployed various innovative ways of tackling the menace.
On various occasions, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has been a keen advocate against the canker.
He recently reinforced his commitment by indicating that, in the coming year, any sub chief in the Ashanti kingdom whose area has been invaded by illegal miners will be summoned, questioned, and subsequently sanctioned if need be. He is also bent on ensuring responsible mining in his jurisdiction.
Gold contributes over 90% of Ghana’s total mineral exports and makes up 49% of the country’s total export value.
However, the country is unable to make the expected returns due to smuggling of the mineral.
About the summit
The Ghana Responsible Gold Mining Summit, which will work to ensure that gold sourced from Ghana’s small-scale mining sector is responsibly mined and traded in accordance with international standards.
The Asantehene will also work with stakeholders to ensure that interventions to halt environmental degradation are coordinated and fully supported.
The Summit will be led by Africa Responsible Mining in collaboration with E ON 3 Group and Ansong Askew Ltd.
The event is supported by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and its agencies, as well as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Other stakeholders, including international market makers, will also provide some collaboration.
Outputs
Outputs from the Ghana Responsible Gold Mining Summit will focus on aligning Ghana’s small-scale mining sector with the expectations of international markets.
This will include measures to increase transparency and accountability in the sector in line with international standards for responsible sourcing.
Source: The Independent Ghana