The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has issued a stern warning to the government against implementing a blanket ban on mining activities in the country. The association argues that such a move would have catastrophic consequences for both the gold industry, a crucial sector of the Ghanaian economy, and the overall economic well-being of the nation. They emphasize the significant contribution of mining, particularly small-scale mining, to Ghana’s economic progress and advocate for a more collaborative approach between the government and mining stakeholders to address the challenges facing the sector, rather than resorting to outright prohibition.
The GNASSM’s position was articulated by its General Secretary, Michael Adugyamfi, during an interview on a local radio program. Adugyamfi underscored the government’s own recognition of the vital role small-scale miners play in the economy and the gold industry. He stressed the need for a cooperative partnership to streamline mining operations and ensure their sustainability. He further highlighted the association’s opposition to illegal mining, acknowledging its detrimental effects, but advocating for a more nuanced approach that prioritizes education and support for those involved in such practices, enabling them to transition to legal and responsible mining.
The association’s core argument revolves around the economic ramifications of a complete mining ban. They contend that such a drastic measure would cripple a sector that significantly contributes to the nation’s GDP, employment figures, and foreign exchange earnings. The gold industry, in particular, is a major source of revenue for Ghana, and a ban would severely impact its performance, potentially leading to economic instability. Furthermore, the livelihoods of countless individuals, particularly those engaged in small-scale mining, would be jeopardized, exacerbating unemployment and poverty levels.
While acknowledging the negative environmental and social impacts associated with illegal mining, such as deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation, the GNASSM believes that a ban is not the solution. Instead, they propose a more comprehensive strategy that involves collaboration between the government, mining companies, and local communities to promote responsible mining practices. This would involve providing training and education on sustainable mining techniques, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and enforcing stricter penalties for illegal activities. They believe that through constructive dialogue and joint efforts, the challenges posed by illegal mining can be effectively addressed without resorting to extreme measures that could harm the legitimate mining sector.
The GNASSM also emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between legal small-scale mining and illegal mining activities. They argue that legal small-scale miners operate within the confines of the law and contribute significantly to the economy, while illegal miners operate outside the regulatory framework, causing environmental damage and social disruption. They call for targeted interventions to curb illegal mining while ensuring that the operations of legal small-scale miners are not disrupted. This would involve strengthening monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, as well as providing incentives for illegal miners to formalize their operations and adopt sustainable practices.
In conclusion, the GNASSM’s stance on the potential mining ban is clear: they strongly oppose it, arguing that it would be economically disastrous and counterproductive. They believe that a more effective approach lies in collaborative efforts to address the challenges facing the mining sector, particularly the issue of illegal mining. They advocate for education, support, and stricter enforcement of regulations, rather than a blanket ban that would harm both the economy and the livelihoods of those dependent on the mining industry. They further call for a nuanced approach that differentiates between legal and illegal mining operations, ensuring that the former is protected while the latter is effectively curtailed. The association emphasizes the need for dialogue and partnership between the government, mining companies, and local communities to achieve a sustainable and responsible mining sector that benefits all stakeholders.
