Outright ban on mining will affect 6million livelihoods - Responsible Small Scale Miners

The ongoing debate over illegal mining in Ghana has shifted focus to its human cost, as approximately 6 million people benefit from direct and indirect employment in the small-scale mining industry.

The Responsible Small Scale Miners Association has warned that a blanket ban on small-scale mining would have devastating consequences for communities, affecting about 12 percent of Ghana’s population.

At a press conference in the Ashanti Region on Sunday, September 15, 2024, the Association's Vice President, Daniel Kwaku Mensah, emphasized that none of their members engage in illegal mining.

"These are law-abiding citizens who will lose their livelihoods if the industry is shut down," Mensah stated, stressing the need to differentiate between illegal and legal mining operations.

Experts agree, calling for nuanced solutions that balance environmental concerns with social and economic realities. Mensah added, "Policymakers must navigate this complex issue with care."

Rejecting Calls for a Total Mining Ban

The Association firmly rejected calls for a total ban on small-scale mining, arguing that not all miners are engaged in illegal activities.

While the group expressed its opposition to mining in water bodies and forests, it insisted that halting all mining is not the solution to the illegal mining crisis.

"We are against mining in water bodies and forests, but a total ban will harm responsible miners," the Association stated.

The group urged the government to focus on cracking down on illegal mining activities, especially those that are destroying water bodies and forest cover.

"We call on the government to stop illegal miners and protect the environment, but not at the expense of responsible miners," the Association added.

The Responsible Small Scale Miners Association represents thousands of small-scale miners across the country and has been vocal in its opposition to illegal mining practices. The government has faced increasing pressure to address the issue of illegal mining, with some advocating for a total ban on the practice.

However, the Association's stance underscores the complexity of the issue and the need for solutions that protect both the environment and the livelihoods of responsible miners.