The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible small-scale mining in Ghana when its leader, former president John Mahama is elected into office.
The party’s Small-Scale Mining Campaign Committee during a campaign tour in Manso Adubia and its surrounding areas in the Ashanti Region stated that the next NDC government will implement mining policies that will save forest reserves and restore the heavily polluted rivers.
Addressing miners and community members, Samuel Hadjor, a key member of the committee, dismissed claims made by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) that the NDC intends to ban both legal small-scale mining operations.
He emphasized that these rumors are false and reassured the miners of the NDC’s dedication to safeguarding the livelihoods of small-scale miners, while ensuring environmental protection.
“We’ve heard rumors that the NDC will ban small-scale mining. That’s not true. What we plan to do is ensure small-scale mining is done responsibly,” Ahadjor stated.
He further explained that the NDC’s manifesto outlines strategies for ensuring best practices in mining to protect water bodies and land resources.
Hadjor highlighted the NDC’s plan to provide technical training and expertise to miners to help them adhere to sustainable and environmentally friendly mining methods.
He stressed the importance of reclamation, stating that the NDC would introduce a reclamation bond that miners must set aside to restore land after mining activities. “Reclamation is crucial. After mining, we must return the land to its original state,” he said.
Michael Kwadwo Peprah, President of the National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana, also voiced his support for the NDC during the tour. He criticized the current government for what he described as a failure to address the challenges faced by small-scale miners.
According to Peprah, the NPP’s militarized approach to curbing illegal mining has been ineffective, and in some cases, has only worsened the situation.
“In 2016, President Akufo-Addo promised to improve small-scale mining, but instead, we’ve seen legitimate miners lose their jobs while illegal operators, many with political connections, continue to destroy our natural resources with impunity,” Peprah said.
He pointed out that many small-scale miners struggle to obtain licenses due to bureaucratic delays and called for a decentralized licensing system, as proposed by the NDC.
Peprah praised the NDC’s manifesto, stating that it offers practical solutions to the sector’s problems, including decentralizing the licensing process and addressing the influence of illegal foreign miners. He emphasized that the NDC’s approach is the best way forward for Ghana’s mining sector, ensuring long-term benefits for both miners and the environment.
