A looming crisis is brewing for small-scale miners in Ghana as the two-week deadline for excavator registration approaches.
The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) is making a desperate plea for an extension, cautioning that the stringent time frame could result in widespread penalties and cripple their operations.
While GNASSM acknowledges the importance of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority’s (DVLA) initiative to enforce an existing policy regarding heavy-duty equipment like excavators, the association argues that the current deadline is simply unrealistic.
“We fully support the DVLA’s goal to combat illegal mining and protect our environment,” stated Adu Gyamfi, Ashanti District Secretary of GNASSM. “However, the speed at which this is being implemented is causing undue stress and anxiety among our members.
Adu Gyamfi explained that years of lax enforcement has left many miners scrambling to gather the necessary documentation.
He mentioned complex purchase and payment agreements as a major obstacle, requiring additional time for members to comply with the new registration requirements.
Despite commending the DVLA for engaging with machine owners, GNASSM fears that many members will still be unable to meet the deadline.
He issued a stern warning to those who fail to act swiftly, stating that the Association will be unable to assist those who allow time to work against them.
As the clock ticks down, GNASSM hopes the government will heed their call for an extension, averting what they fear could become a crippling blow to the small-scale mining industry.
By Benjamin Aidoo|AkomaFM|Kumasi
