The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has rejected calls for a blanket ban on all small-scale mining operations, describing them as misguided. He emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting responsible mining while condemning the destruction of major water bodies and the environment caused by illegal miners.
Duker’s remarks came in response to appeals from various professional bodies, including the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and other unions, urging President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to impose an immediate ban on small-scale mining. These bodies argue that such a measure is necessary to address the rampant environmental degradation resulting from illegal mining activities. Organised Labour has also warned of a nationwide strike if the government does not take decisive action against the damage caused by illegal mining to water bodies and the environment.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Meretweso Community Mining Scheme in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality of the Central Region, Mr. Duker stressed that a blanket ban on small-scale mining would be a misplaced priority. He argued that instead of pushing for a ban, stakeholders should support the government’s efforts to regulate and ensure responsible mining practices.
Mr. Duker further disclosed that the government plans to deploy river guards to protect water bodies from illegal mining activities. He criticized those advocating for a ban without considering the broader implications and complexities of the situation. According to him, “It is misdirected because I was expecting them to have condemned the statement made by His Excellency, the former President Mahama, before even calling for this action. You can’t just, in a way, out of the blue, say ‘put a ban.’ Ban on what? What are the metrics? What have you done? What analysis have you done? The statement President Mahama made was unfortunate, so why didn’t they, in a way, ask him to apologize?”
Duker acknowledged the damage caused by illegal mining to water bodies but insisted that a blanket ban is not the solution. He noted that measures need to be taken to clamp down on those who are destroying the water bodies but maintained his stance against a general ban on mining activities. “People are destroying our water bodies; there are measures we need to take to clamp down on recalcitrants who are destroying our water bodies, and I agree with them perfectly… But I am against the call for the ban on mining generally. You can’t ban mining. Why must you ban mining?” he stated.
He reiterated that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to ending illegal mining but called for collective efforts from all stakeholders to tackle the situation effectively. The deployment of river guards, he added, is part of a broader strategy to protect natural resources and ensure sustainable mining practices.
Duker’s comments reflect the government’s position that banning all small-scale mining operations is not a viable solution to the environmental challenges facing the country. Instead, he advocates for a balanced approach that addresses illegal activities while allowing for responsible mining practices that contribute to the nation’s economic development.
The government, he assured, will continue to take necessary measures to regulate the mining sector and prevent illegal activities, but this requires support and collaboration from all sectors of society.
