Ban on mining will cause job losses, increase poverty — Small-scale miners

Imposing a blanket ban on all mining activities in Ghana will unfairly impact thousands of lawful small-scale miners and increase unemployment and poverty levels, according to the Chamber of Small-Scale Mining Industries.

In a statement responding to calls from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to halt mining in forest reserves due to the increasing effect of galamsey, the Chamber representing small-scale miners warned that such a sweeping measure would affect legitimate operators.

"A blanket ban would not only affect illegal operators but would also unfairly punish responsible small-scale miners and their dependents. Such a move would result in significant job losses, increased poverty, and the collapse of small businesses tied to the mining sector," said Baffour Asare Yamoah, the coordinator for the Chamber.

The small-scale mining sector, according to the chamber, provides livelihoods for many Ghanaians and contributes significantly to gold production and the economy.

"It is essential to clarify that lawful small-scale miners operate under strict regulations set by the Minerals Commission and other relevant authorities," the statement emphasized.

Instead of a ban on activities, the Chamber is calling for strengthening law enforcement and providing technical support to legal miners so they adopt environmentally friendly practices.

A targeted approach is needed to shut down "galamsey" operations while protecting legitimate mining jobs and communities, says the chamber.

"The solution lies not in the halting of all mining activities but in enforcing existing laws and differentiating between illegal and legal operations," said Mr. Yamoah.

The small-scale miners' organization said it stands ready to work with the government and other stakeholders to find balanced solutions that curb environmental degradation from galamsey, while supporting responsible artisanal mining.