President John Dramani Mahama has restated his government’s determination to tackle illegal mining, assuring Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the public that the NDC administration will muster the political will to end the environmental destruction caused by galamsey.
Speaking at a meeting with CSOs in Accra, the President reflected on Ghana’s long history with mining, recalling that gold was among the first commodities traded when the Portuguese arrived in Elmina centuries ago.
“Mining in Ghana has a long history. When the first Portuguese arrived in Elmina, one of the first things we sold to them was gold. Our grandfathers were involved in mining,” he noted.
He explained that in the past, artisanal miners relied on basic tools such as pickaxes and shovels, which posed little threat to the environment.
However, the introduction of heavy equipment such as excavators and bulldozers into small-scale mining operations has drastically increased environmental destruction.
Tracing the evolution of the sector, Mr Mahama said reforms under the PNDC era sought to formalise small-scale mining and empower Ghanaian-owned operations.
But he stressed the need to distinguish between artisanal mining and mechanised small-scale mining, the latter being at the heart of the current crisis.
Acknowledging the complexity of the problem, the President called for sustained public advocacy and collaboration to tackle the menace.
“I want to assure you that we are determined to win this fight,” he said. “Your contributions, criticisms, and pressure are welcome. You must continue to push us and encourage us to succeed.”
Source: AdomOnline
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