The National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana (NCSSMAG) has officially expressed its support for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in light of the upcoming 2024 general elections. This endorsement was made in a nationwide mining conference held in the Ashanti Region, where extensive discussions and consultations were conducted among the members of the association. The NCSSMAG contends that the NDC’s mining policies, as articulated in their manifesto, offer the best framework for tackling the urgent challenges confronting small-scale miners in Ghana. The decision marks a significant alignment with a political party seen as sympathetic to the needs of a sector that has faced increasing struggles in recent years.
The endorsement from the NCSSMAG stems from their belief in the NDC’s comprehensive approach towards addressing small-scale mining issues. Michael Kwadwo Peprah, the president of the association, commended the party’s manifesto for promising a reorganization of small-scale mining, which includes the establishment of a National Small-Scale Mining Support Fund and the implementation of Environmental Standards and Regulatory Oversight. Peprah asserted that these initiatives demonstrate the NDC’s clear understanding of the complexities and hardships faced by miners. This declaration signifies the growing confidence among mining communities that the NDC is better equipped to implement viable solutions that could ultimately revitalize the sector.
In contrasting their stance with that of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), the NCSSMAG expressed profound discontent regarding the NPP’s approach to small-scale mining. They described the government’s policies as inconsistent and lacking substance, exemplified by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent assertion that the administration could make small-scale miners “billionaires.” The association dismissed this statement as empty and disconnected from the sector’s current struggles. This critique underscores a broader sentiment of disillusionment among miners toward the NPP, suggesting that the government’s strategies have not adequately addressed their needs or provided the anticipated support to bolster the industry.
Furthering their commitment to the NDC, the NCSSMAG has called upon miners, their families, and communities to actively support the party in the forthcoming elections. Peprah emphasized that their political stance is not simply a matter of partisan politics but a crucial step towards safeguarding the future of small-scale mining in Ghana. He articulated the hope that the NDC’s policies would reinvigorate the mining sector, catalyzing the creation of jobs and fostering sustainable practices that benefit local mining communities. This urgency reflects a collective desire among small-scale miners for change that leads to improvements, safety, and long-term viability within their industry.
The political implications of this endorsement could be substantial, particularly in mining regions where small-scale mining serves as a vital economic lifeline. According to Peprah, the NCSSMAG’s backing could substantially enhance the NDC’s electoral prospects, especially in constituencies that heavily rely on mining activities. This endorsement signals a shift in voter sentiment, revealing increasing dissatisfaction with the NPP’s management of small-scale mining issues. The association’s organized support for the NDC could thus potentially reshape the political landscape, as it resonates with constituencies where livelihoods are intricately tied to mining operations.
In summary, the NCSSMAG’s declaration of support for the NDC is emblematic of a larger trend highlighting the frustrations of small-scale miners with the current administration. Their endorsement underscores a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, as it reflects a yearning for more effective governance concerning the mining sector. The association’s significant advocacy for the NDC reveals the critical intersection of politics and the economic realities of small-scale mining in Ghana, indicating that the upcoming electoral decision holds significant consequences for the future of the industry and its stakeholders.
