President of the National Association of Concerned Small-Scale Miners of Ghana, Michael Kwadwo Peprah, has assured miners across the country of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) commitment towards encouraging sustainable small scale mining.
The NDC’s campaign in Mankranso in the Ahafo Ano South, Atwima Nwabiagya, Atwimah Mponua, districts of the Ashanti Region sought to engage small-scale miners on the party’s manifesto, particularly in addressing the challenges surrounding licensing and documentation in the sector.
Michael Kwadwo Peprah whiles addressing the miners highlighted the ongoing difficulties faced by small-scale miners in obtaining the necessary permits and licenses to operate legally.
He stressed that many miners, despite following the correct procedures, still struggle with acquiring the required documentation, leading to frustration within the industry.
“The main issue is licensing and documentation. We know that a lot of miners are doing the right thing but don’t have the documents to prove it. Currently, obtaining a license often means traveling all the way to Accra, which is a significant burden for many,” Peprah stated.
He endorsed the NDC’s manifesto, which proposes decentralizing the mining licensing process. The party plans to allow miners to obtain licenses at the district level, eliminating the need for long trips to Accra.
This change, according to Kwadwo Peprah, will make the licensing process more accessible for small-scale miners across the country.
“The NDC promises to bring the licensing process to the district level. This will make it easier for miners to obtain the necessary permits without the hassle of traveling to Accra. We will also bring in technocrats who will help monitor operations to ensure sustainable mining practices,” he added.
Peprah emphasized that the NDC is not opposed to small-scale mining, but is firmly against mining activities that cause environmental degradation, such as the destruction of forests and water bodies. He assured miners that the NDC would support them if they followed proper guidelines for sustainable mining.
“The NDC is not against mining. In fact, it was the NDC that legalized small-scale mining in this country. What we are against is illegal mining that destroys our environment. We will support you to ensure that your operations are sustainable and beneficial to both you and the nation.”
He called on the miners to support the NDC in the upcoming elections, praising the party’s manifesto as the best solution for the challenges faced by small-scale miners.
“We need to tell our families and fellow miners that the NDC’s manifesto addresses our key issues and provides a clear path towards a better future for small-scale mining in Ghana.”
NDC Clarifies Stance on Small-Scale Mining
Samuel Hadjor, a member of the NDC’s national campaign team, dismissed rumors spread by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) that the NDC plans to collapse the small-scale mining sector if elected into office.
He clarified the party’s position on regulating mining activities. “The NDC has never said that we will ban small-scale mining when we win the 2024 elections. What we are saying is that we will regulate small-scale mining activities and train miners with technical skills to ensure responsible operations that do not destroy the environment and water bodies.
The NDC is only against mining in water bodies. So, when the NPP says that the NDC will ban small-scale mining, tell them it is not true,” Hadjor clarified.
He further explained that the next NDC government would ensure that every mining site across the country is equipped with mining engineers and environmental experts to guide miners on how to reclaim land and operate in an environmentally friendly manner.
Local Miners Raise Concerns About Foreign Involvement In Community Mining
During the interaction, Daniel Asante Korobea, a local miner, voiced concerns about Chinese nationals dominating mining areas meant for community mining. He urged the NDC to address the issue if elected into office.
“The NDC manifesto is good, and I’m convinced it will help us miners. But I want you to remove the Chinese people mining here. This place is supposed to be for community mining, yet Chinese foreigners have taken over. We, the local people, can’t mine here because they chase us away. We will vote for the NDC, but when you win, please remove all the Chinese people involved in community mining. It is not meant for them,” Korobea said.
The NDC campaign team assured the miners that their concerns would be addressed as part of the party’s commitment to ensuring that the small-scale mining sector benefits local communities and operates within the law.
Source: Kumasi Mail
