George Mireku Duker, the deputy minister for lands and natural resources, has retaliated against recent calls for a complete ban on small-scale mining operations, labeling them as misinformed.
Duker affirmed the government’s commitment to encouraging ethical mining methods while denouncing the environmental damage brought on by illicit mining, especially the deterioration of significant water bodies.
While he acknowledged that the government is still committed to putting a stop to illicit mining, he emphasized the necessity for a coordinated effort to address the problem.
In reaction to the widespread environmental harm caused by unlawful operations, professional organizations like the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and other unions have encouraged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to immediately outlaw small-scale mining. This is what prompted him to make these remarks.
Additionally, if the government does not act decisively to stop illegal miners from destroying the environment and water bodies, Organized Labor has vowed to call for a statewide strike.
Duker, however, contended that outlawing small-scale mining would be an inappropriate priority while speaking during the commissioning of the Meretweso Community Mining Scheme in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality of the Central Region.
He also revealed that in order to safeguard water bodies from additional damage, the government intends to send out river guards.
“It is misplaced because I was expecting them to denounce His Excellency the former President Mahama’s statement before even demanding this move because you can’t just say ‘put a ban on it’ out of the blue. Ban on what, he wondered.
“What have you done, and what are the metrics? What kind of analysis have you carried out? Since President Mahama made a regrettable statement, why didn’t they, in a sense, ask him to apologize?
He supported taking action against those responsible and acknowledged the harm being done to water sources.
“Yes, individuals are ruining our water sources, and I completely agree with them that we need to take action against those who refuse to change.However, I oppose it.
Personally, I disagree with the proposal to outlaw mining altogether. Mining cannot be outlawed. Why is mining banned? He continued.