Author: Maame Owusuaa Oppong
The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners has refuted accusations linking its members to illegal mining activities, insisting that the true solution to environmental degradation lies in the commitment of local authorities and government, not in imposing blanket bans on small-scale mining.
Speaking at a press conference in the Eastern Region, Godwin Armah, the Association’s General Secretary, defended licensed small-scale miners, asserting that they do not engage in galamsey (illegal mining) or contribute to the destruction of water bodies.
“The real issue is the lack of political will from district chiefs and officials, who often allow illegal operators to harm our environment.
Our members operate with proper licenses and do not mine in rivers or forest reserves,” Armah emphasized.
This response follows growing calls for a total ban on mining activities, fueled by the worsening condition of Ghana’s rivers and farmlands due to illegal mining.
Armah criticized the politicization of the issue, urging policymakers to differentiate between legal small-scale mining and unregulated operations.
“Politicians need to stop using this issue for political gain and clarify whether they want to support or dismantle the indigenous mining sector,” he stated, emphasizing that the sector plays a critical role in the country’s economy.
He also pointed out that government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, Minerals Commission, and Water Resources Commission regularly inspect their operations, adding that enforcement efforts should focus on the real culprits of environmental destruction.
“For example, the ongoing mining at Potrase on the Densu River and in the Asamankese area along the Pra River are carried out by large-scale operators, not us.
We are ready to work with all stakeholders to address the issue, but we should not be held accountable for the actions of illegal miners,” Armah concluded.
The Association has called for stronger regulatory measures and collaboration between authorities and miners to tackle the problem of illegal mining more effectively.
