President Akufo-Addo has reiterated that his government is not against the activities of the small scale mining in the country.
He made these submissions as government commissioned the Mercury Free Mineral Processing Technology (Gold Katcha) at the Black Star Square in Accra on Monday.
President Akufo-Addo said "I want to reiterate that the Akufo-Addo Government is not against small scale mining"
He mentioned that on the contrary, Ghana is enforcing a responsible small scale activity.
"It is an avenue to provide the Ghanaian, to participate in the mining industry and contribute substantially to the development of our growth sector"
Stressing in what his government hates, President Akufo-Addo said "What my government is against is any form of mining that pays no heed to the preservation of the environment which threatens our very survival and the legacy"
He noted that his government will continue to pursue policies and programmes that will promote and support responsible mining practices which will contribute to the national development.
"It is my hope and that of all Ghanaians that the beneficiaries of these equipments will put them to good use for their own benefits and that of the country.
On his part, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor said "Today marks a very important milestone in our quest to deal with illegal small-scale mining in our country, whilst, at the same time, promoting viable, sustainable and environmentally-sound small scale mining"
"Mr. President, since you charged us to tackle the age-old menace of illegal mining, which has resulted in the destruction of vegetation and the pollution of our water bodies, we have adopted a two-pronged approach, i.e., law enforcement and reformation of the sector"
"In the area of law enforcement, following the holding of the National and Regional Dialogues on Small Scale Mining, where we built a national consensus on the way forward, we have held engagements with all sixteen (16) Regional Ministers and their respective Regional Security Councils (REGSECs), to lead law enforcement in their various jurisdictions"
The Lands Minister noted that River Bodies continue to be “Red Zones” for mining, while reconnaissance, prospecting and/or exploration in Forest Reserves continue to be suspended, except in exceptional circumstances.
Samuel A. Jinapor also reveal that a ban has been placed on the manufacture and sale of the floating platform, popularly referred to as “Changfan”.
He also told the gathering that an amendment of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) to expand legally the scope of the ban is ongoing.
He stressed that in partnership with the Ministry of Defence, Operation Halt II continues to support these law enforcement measures.
"Admittedly, there are still considerable challenges, but we will not relent until we eliminate this canker"
"Mr. President, in the area of regulatory, policy and operational reforms, we have decentralised the work of the Minerals Commission to the Regional and District Offices, to make access to information and applications for licences easier. In addition to this, the Commission has also rolled out online application forms to allow people apply for licences from the comfort of their homes. Simply put, the Minerals Commission is undergoing a total overhaul, under its dependable Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi"
The Lands Minister revealed that a thorough vetting process is currently underway to validate multiple applications for small scale mining licences, compiled by the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners.
The process, he said, is being expedited and, sooner rather than later, his Ministry intend to approve the applications of those who will pass this rigorous vetting process.
"Our goal is to ensure that genuine Ghanaians are involved in genuine small scale mining businesses"
"Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, we are gathered here for President Akufo-Addo to commission one hundred (100) mercury-free gold processing equipment, known as ‘Gold Kacha’."
The Minister noted that many small-scale miners rely on mercury to extract gold from the ore.
He hinted that the practice, however, has serious environmental and health impacts on communities in which they are used.
"Apart from contaminating water bodies and destroying aquatic life, high exposure to mercury by inhalation can result in damage to the nervous, digestive and immune systems. In children, for example, exposure to mercury can cause physical and mental disabilities"
"Experts have warned of dire consequences if urgent action is not taken to eliminate the use of mercury in small scale mining"
"It is for this reason that the world adopted the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which Ghana ratified on 23rd March 2017, under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo. Under this Convention, State Parties are to take measures to reduce, and, where feasible, eliminate the use of mercury in artisanal and small-scale mining."
"The Gold Kachas, Mr. President is about to commission today is a step towards fulfilling our obligation under the Minamata Convention, protecting the health and lives of small scale miners, and the natural environment, and, above all, protecting our population from the debilitating hazards of this chemical"
Lands Minister hinted that the policies and strategies being implemented by his Ministry are to promote viable business for Ghanaians who intend to work in the mining industry, whilst, at the same time, protecting the environment.
"This is part of the broader vision of the Akufo-Addo Government to make Ghana the mining hub of Africa, where all mining and mining related activities, from exploration to downstream production, and from innovation to research, will be centred"
"Yes, we recognise the complexities of the small-scale mining industry and the intractable nature of the negative practices associated with it"
"Let us face it, what we are dealing with is gold, which is money. Thus, those involved, both the gold barons, foreigners and Ghanaians alike, who finance this illicit business from the comfort of their mansions, and the “goro boys” on the ground, would not relent in their efforts"
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Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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