Michael Adu-Gyamfi, the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners, has described President John Dramani Mahama’s response to the call for a state of emergency on illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey,” as “spot on.”
Mr Adu-Gyamfi said the President’s response demonstrated a deep understanding of the mining sector, particularly the small-scale sector.
The licensed miner noted that Mr. Mahama’s experience has reached an appreciable level, and he is committed to providing a comprehensive approach to dealing with the issue.
According to Adu-Gyamfi, repeated approaches to combating galamsey have failed to produce positive results.
“President Mahama, at his media engagement, demonstrated a clear understanding of the mining sector, especially small-scale mining.
He has proven that he is prepared to roll out different and workable solutions in dealing with illegal mining,” Adu-Gyamfi stated. “I have consistently argued that the fight against illegal mining has failed because we have been repeating the same approaches which do not work. The call for a state of emergency and the response from the President shows he now understands the architecture of licensed small-scale mining. If he works with stakeholders through consultations and the contribution of licensed small-scale miners, we will finally deal with the canker.”
In an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he emphasized that the small-scale mining sector employs several people, and any attempt to ban their activities would cause more harm than good.
“Illegal mining is a threat, but there are also licensed miners in the sector, and I totally disagree with all those who claim that only a state of emergency can help solve illegal mining,” he said. “President Mahama has acknowledged that we can equally explore other options instead of declaring a state of emergency. Stopping illegal mining is doable, and the Association will support the authorities. We have to reverse the whole architecture in the mining sector.”
He further proposed a review of the mining license regime, stating that the current system is bureaucratic, exploitative, and offers opportunities to only a selected few.
He argued that the only difference between illegal mining and licensed small-scale mining is the license itself, highlighting the need for a flexible licensing regime to address the issue of illegal mining.
“It is about time we promote responsible and sustainable small-scale mining to weed out that thing called galamsey. That thing called galamsey must be eradicated because it has repercussions for Ghana.”
Adu-Gyamfi insisted that Ghana cannot do without small-scale mining, underscoring the need for authorities to roll out measures that will regularize such activities.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
