Small-scale miners in Ghana are accusing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the country’s largest opposition party, of hypocrisy regarding the recent labor strike demanding a moratorium on all forms of mining. The miners claim that the NDC supports demonstrators in Accra but pretends to support their businesses in local communities.

The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) has urged Organised Labour to reconsider their decision to embark on a nationwide strike, citing concerns that it could exacerbate the nation’s already fragile economy. Instead, the association proposes a bipartisan approach to tackling the issue of illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

At a meeting with Advocacy for Sustainable Mining in Amansie West, Zonal Chairman Joseph Mensah vowed to fight illegal mining, particularly on water bodies and forest reserves. He appealed to the government to support their efforts. Hon. Amankwa Anthony called for stern action against illegal miners, dismissing calls for a total ban on small-scale mining.

The GNASSM has proposed several measures to address the issue of galamsey, including:

– Deploying Personnel: The government should deploy personnel to curb ongoing pollution at water bodies.
– Revoking Permits: The government should reconsider permitting entities to work in forest reserves and revoke permits of companies that don’t meet requirements.
– Task Force: The GNASSM will deploy its task force to arrest illegal miners polluting water bodies.

By working together, the small-scale miners believe that a lasting solution to the menace of illegal mining can be found.