Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah is calling on large-scale mining companies to partner with the government in supporting small-scale mining cooperatives initiative to combat illegal mining.
The mining companies have welcomed the initiative, proposing a dialogue to discuss implementation and ensure sustainability.
Ghana has long struggled to curb illegal mining, a major concern for many. Despite previous efforts, including Operation Vanguard and other efforts to solve the situation, the issue persists.
The current President Mahama administration is taking a new approach through the Small-Scale Mining Cooperative Initiative, which aims to organize informal miners into supervised groups.
During a working visit to Goldfields and AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine in Tarkwa, Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah called on mining companies to partner with the government in supporting small-scale mining cooperatives, leveraging their expertise to combat illegal mining.
“We need to find a formula to support small-scale mining cooperatives– a win-win for all. By sharing their expertise, safety records, and responsible mining practices, we can extend these benefits to local communities.
This way, anyone engaging in small-scale mining will know it can be done responsibly, without harming our water bodies, forest reserves, and environment.” He said.
Responding to the Minister’s call, Stephen Adjei, Senior Manager for Sustainability at AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, welcomed the initiative and proposed a dialogue to discuss implementation and ensure sustainability.
“The government’s initiative to regulate illegal miners is timely and commendable. However, its success hinges on meticulous planning and collaboration.
Involving mining companies is a step in the right direction, but thorough dialogue and careful analysis of potential challenges and benefits are crucial.
By working together and implementing robust measures, we can make this initiative effective and beneficial for the country.” He stated.
