- UK-Ghana Gold Programme addresses small-scale mining challenges in Bole.
- Licensing issues persist, with only 2 out of 15 communities licensed.
- Illegal gold mining costs Ghana $2 billion.
- Programme aims to reform regulations.
Officials from the UK-Ghana Gold Programme (UKGGP) and the British High Commission engaged with stakeholders in the mining sector in Bole, Savannah Region.
The forum aimed to address challenges facing miners, including licensing and formalization priorities.
The Bole District has 15 communities engaged in active mining, with only two licensed for community mining.
Team Leader of UKGGP, Chris Aston, expressed concerns over Ghana’s significant tax revenue losses due to illegal gold mining.
Aston highlighted the need for regulatory reform, community resilience, and law enforcement support.
The engagement aimed to find solutions to eliminate illegalities in small-scale mining and promote sustainable practices.
Chairman Mandariwura Gilbert Iddi applauded UKGGP’s advocacy and engagement, calling for support to prevent crimes in mining communities.
Bolewura Sarto Kutuge Feso (I) expressed willingness to support UKGGP, stating that mining is crucial to Bole’s economy.
The UK-Ghana Gold Programme aims to increase community resilience, promote regulatory reform, and support law enforcement.
The three-year initiative will receive £3.9 million from the UK government to combat illegal gold mining in Western, Ashanti, and Savannah Regions.
