A group of small-scale miners in Ghana’s Ashanti Region has made a desperate plea to President John Dramani Mahama and Lands Minister ,Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah for immediate assistance.
The miners, who are facing dwindling access to mining concessions, are on the brink of losing everything. “We’re losing everything!” exclaimed Felix Yaw Andam, spokesperson for the group, highlighting the crisis impacting countless families.
The scarcity of available land, locked up by multinational corporations and large domestic firms, is squeezing the small-scale miners out of business.
The situation is not just about profits; it’s about survival.
Andam warns that the crisis threatens the livelihoods of over three million young Ghanaians who depend on the small-scale mining sector for direct and indirect employment. This is a significant concern, as the sector plays a vital role in supporting local economies and providing employment opportunities.
Adding to the stress, miners report facing ongoing harassment and intimidation from security forces at their work sites.
This has further exacerbated the challenges faced by the miners, who are already struggling to access concessions and operate their businesses sustainably.
Despite their struggles, the miners emphasize their support for the government’s fight against illegal “galamsey” mining and pledge to adhere to responsible mining practices.
They also point out their crucial role in the local economy, generating significant tax revenue that supports vital development projects and local government services. The miners believe that with the right support and access to concessions, they can continue to operate sustainably and contribute to the nation’s prosperity.
Andam passionately urged the government to prioritize their plight, ensuring access to concessions so they can continue operating sustainably and contributing to the nation’s prosperity. Adu Gyamfi, Ashanti district secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners, amplified the miners’ appeal. “I support the call on the government to do all it can to make available small-scale mining concession blocks for responsible mining, to create more employment opportunities for the youth within the mining enclaves,” he affirmed.
The situation faced by the small-scale miners in the Ashanti Region is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention from the government. The miners are not only fighting for their livelihoods but also contributing to the local economy and supporting the government’s initiatives. It is essential that the government takes steps to address the challenges faced by the miners and provides them with access to concessions, support, and resources to operate sustainably. By doing so, the government can help to promote the growth and development of the small-scale mining sector, which is vital to the country’s economy.
