George Mireku Duker, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has firmly opposed the recent push for a total ban on small-scale mining, calling such proposals misguided.
Mireku Duker criticized the environmental damage caused by illegal mining, but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering responsible mining practices rather than enforcing an outright ban.
He acknowledged ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining and urged for cooperative solutions to tackle these challenges.
His comments address the concerns raised by various professional organizations, including the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and other unions, who have been calling for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to implement an immediate ban on small-scale mining due to severe environmental degradation linked to illegal operations.
Organised Labour has warned of a potential nationwide strike if the government does not take substantial action to address the damage inflicted on water bodies and the environment by unauthorized mining activities.
During the inauguration of the Meretweso Community Mining Scheme in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality, Mireku Duker asserted that an outright ban on small-scale mining would be a misdirected solution. He also announced plans for deploying river guards to safeguard water bodies.
Mireku Duker criticized the calls for a ban, suggesting that the focus should have been on condemning previous statements from former President Mahama rather than immediately calling for a ban. He argued that a blanket ban on mining is impractical and counterproductive.
“While I understand the concerns about environmental damage, I believe a ban on all mining is not the right approach,” Duker emphasized. “We need targeted measures to address specific issues rather than an overarching ban.”
