The Chief of Staff, Dr Julius Debrah, has said that the government remains committed to responsible mining and law enforcement.
He made the point that the livelihoods of miners can be protected while at the same time protecting the environment and water bodies.
Dr Debrah said this in an address presented on his behalf by a Deputy Government Spokesperson, Shamima Mulsim, during the National Mining Dialogue held in Accra on Tuesday, August 18.
He said, “Government remains committed to lawful, responsible mining and enforcement; each matter must be handled fairly on evidence and through the proper institution.
“We can protect our livelihoods while protecting our lands and water resources. Ghana should never be forced to choose between the two.”
Dr Debrah further said that the government supports the work of the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDOB) to strengthen traceability and create a regulated, transparent framework for the purpose of the purchase and sale of artisanal and small-scale gold.
“We have heard that Ghana is now the 6th largest gold-producing country in the entire world. We may applaud, but that also brings us huge responsibility to look like the 6th largest gold-producing nation of the world,” he said.
He added that this will protect the integrity of our gold supply chain and help Ghana retain more value as we should.
“But formalisation must not become the war against vulnerability and security; from an opaque market to a fair market and from unsafe practices to responsible livelihoods, the artisanal miner should hear reforms and an invitation to operate safely, lawfully, and profitably.
“The public will judge our mining economy by two results – stronger national reserves and greater value retained in Ghana. Through the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme and the GOLDBOD reform agenda, our gold should support monetary stability, gains which are tangible, which are transparent, which we are all feeling every day.”
