The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin has called for immediate and decisive action to address the challenges faced by Ghana’s small-scale mining sector. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-Scale Mining held on May 16, 2024, Hon. Bagbin emphasized the urgent need for stakeholders to develop practical solutions to the ongoing issues in the sector.
Hon. Bagbin expressed concern over the political and partisan approach to handling illegal mining and the small-scale mining subsector, stating that such methods would not yield lasting solutions. He highlighted the importance of addressing these issues comprehensively, given the significant role small-scale mining plays in Ghana’s economy, contributing 35% of the country’s total gold production.
The Speaker noted that due to Ghana’s current tax regime, small-scale miners often prefer to sell their gold to neighboring countries. He advocated for reforms in this area to ensure that Ghana benefits fully from its resources. Additionally, Hon. Bagbin criticized the practice of burning illegal miners’ machinery, advocating instead for the development of a robust Ghana Mining Vision. He stressed that without alternative livelihood measures for those dependent on illegal mining, eradication efforts would be unsuccessful.
Rt. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin addressing participants at the Dialogue
Drawing attention to the global significance of Africa’s mineral resources, Hon. Bagbin mentioned that the continent’s rich deposits of platinum, gold, copper, and lithium are attracting international interest. He called for proactive measures and more consultative dialogues to manage Ghana’s resources effectively for the greater good.
Hon. Bagbin commended the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) for organizing the dialogue, describing it as a rare and crucial platform for assessing Ghana’s position in the global mining industry. He pledged ongoing support for UENR, particularly in enhancing its infrastructure to fulfill its educational mandate. In a gesture of commitment, the Speaker donated GH¢50,000 to the university.
The dialogue also featured insights from Godwin Armah, General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small-scale Miners, who highlighted the need for transparency, equitable sharing of benefits for mining communities, and the maximization of mineral resources.
Godwin Armah, General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small-scale Miners
Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako, Vice-Chancellor of UENR, underscored the importance of academia in developing Ghana’s mining vision for sustainable development. He advocated for the establishment of Centres of Excellence in Mining at UENR and the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) to enhance the sector, especially the small-scale mining subsector. Prof. Asare-Bediako also appealed to Hon. Bagbin for support in addressing UENR’s infrastructural needs, to which the Speaker responded positively with his donation.
Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako, Vice-Chancellor of UENR
The dialogue concluded with a strong call to action for all stakeholders to collaborate and implement effective strategies to transform Ghana’s small-scale mining sector, ensuring its sustainability and long-term benefits for the nation.
