Next NDC government will establish gold board to regulate small scale mining - Adjei Baffour

Adjei Baffour Acquah

The National Public Relations Officer for the Mining Committee of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Adjei Baffour Acquah, has announced plans to establish a Gold Board under the next NDC government to regulate and support the small-scale mining sector.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Acquah outlined the comprehensive measures the Gold Board would implement to ensure sustainable and responsible mining practices. These measures include providing support services such as granting concessions, centralizing the operations of the Minerals Commission in all mining districts, and introducing monitoring mechanisms for small-scale mining activities.

“All local chiefs will have a voice in decisions regarding mining activities in their communities,” he emphasized, highlighting the importance of involving traditional authorities in governance.

Skills Training and Land Reclamation
Mr. Acquah noted that the NDC government would introduce a national policy to restructure the small-scale mining sector. This policy would include mandatory skills training for miners in land reclamation to mitigate environmental damage caused by mining activities.

“If miners fail to reclaim the land after mining, the government will utilize their financial guarantees to restore the land,” he explained.

Environmental Safeguards
The NDC’s proposed plan includes strict monitoring by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other regulatory bodies to prevent environmental degradation and water pollution.

“The Gold Board will work closely with these institutions to guide miners on sustainable practices and ensure compliance with environmental standards,” Mr. Acquah stated.

Licensing and Oversight
According to Mr. Acquah, the Gold Board will also streamline the licensing process for Ghanaian companies and foreign companies with local partners. Clear geographical boundaries will be assigned as catchment areas for mining operations, ensuring accountability and effective oversight.

This initiative, he noted, is part of the NDC’s broader strategy to modernize and regulate the small-scale mining sector, fostering economic growth while protecting the environment and local communities.