'Government is taking measures to ensure sustainable small-scale mining'

Accra, May 1, GNA - President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says government is taking plausible measures to ensure that small-scale mining is conducted in a sustainable manner.

'Since the Almighty blessed us with precious minerals, there will be mining in our country…the sustainable small-scale mining regime we envisage will protect our environment and protect the workers as well,' he said.

President Akufo-Addo was addressing organised labour at the 17th National May Day Parade at the Black Star Square in Accra.

The event was held on the theme: 'Ghana@60; Mobilising for Ghana's Future through the Creation of Decent Jobs.'

President Akufo-Addo said he had not met anyone engaged in the illegal small-scale mining, popularly referred to as 'galamsey,' who was satisfied with the degradation of the environment as witnessed lately, adding; 'we are not fighting to put people out of work by seeking to end galamsey'.

'This present generation does not own the earth, we hold the lands in trust for generations yet unborn and we cannot destroy it,' he said.

President Akufo-Addo said all indications pointed to the fact that 'galamseyers' did not make much money as they were routinely cheated from getting a fair price for the gold they found.

'As such government is encouraging the establishment of gold refineries, which will pay fair prices to the miners,' he said.

He acknowledged, with special thanks, the support and role being played by the media in the fight against galamsey.

'The media, with the overwhelming support of all well-meaning citizens, have given true meaning to the call for all to be citizens and not spectators,' the President said.

GNA

By Ken Sackey, GNA