The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has
presented 95 signed licenses to Members of the Ghana National Association of
Small Scale Miners (GNASSM).
At a brief ceremony held on Tuesday,
28 June , 2022 to present the mining licences to Members of the Association,
the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Jinapor said the issuance of the licenses
is an affirmation of government’s commitment to the growth of the Small-Scale
Mining sector.
The Minister relayed the vision of the
government which is to create a complete value chain which will result in value
retention in the mining sector.
He disclosed that government is in the
process of building a completely new small-scale mining sector typified by
responsible mining, employment and improved living conditions for miners and
mining communities.
He said government’s plan to achieve
the above-stated objectives has seen the adoption of two approaches.
These approaches, he mentioned as
being reformation and law enforcement is exemplified by the policies of reform
at the Minerals Commission and allied agencies and an
effective enforcement of anti-galamsey laws.
He warned that government will be
ruthless in its fight against illegal mining, adding that law breakers will be
dealt with in accordance to the law.
“Those who will not come under the
umbrella of the Responsible Small Scale Mining should know that the Ministry
will come after them ruthlessly. All measures will be thoroughly enforced with
no apologies”
According to the Minister, seizure and
decommissioning of mining equipment will continue unabated as government
continues to clampdown on activities of illegal mining.
He revealed that the Vice President,
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is leading a drive to build a new gold purchasing model,
similar to that of the Produce Buying Company in the cocoa sector.
Under this model, he said gold
purchasing will be done in a robust regime led by the Bank of Ghana and
therefore appealed to the members of the small-scale mining association to
support the government to achieve the purpose for the new drive.
George Mireku Duker, the Deputy
Minister in charge of Mines, in a presentation outlined government’s support
for the small-scale mining sector including the improved relations between the
Ministry and the GNASSM.
He further disclosed that government
through the Minerals Commission has introduced a mechanism that allows for easy
application and granting of mining resources.
The General Secretary of the
GNASSM, Godwin Armah expressed gratitude to the Sector Minister for
accommodating and implementing some proposals made by the group.
He said the Association will continue to partner the
government to ensure that the mining sector is developed to its apex.
Source: asaaseradio