The Deputy minister for lands and Natural resources Hon. George Mireku Duker on 4th April 2023 addressing the media on the fight against galamsay in Ghana which is one of the top priority of the government lead by Nana Akufo Addo since he assumed power as president of the Republic of Ghana. The government has deployed some measures to fight against it and small scale mining is the how the government has used to fight against the galamsay.
BACKGROUND.
- Small scale mining of gold in Ghana is a pre-historic activity which can be traced to the 15th century.
- Discourage in the colonial era until 1989.
- This led to smuggling of gold to Togo and Ivory Coast.
- In 1989, SSM was legalised Small Scale Gold Mining Law P.N.D.C Law 218(1989),PMMC Law (P.N.D.C Law 219) and mercury Law (P.N.D.C Law 217).
- In 2006 P.N.D.C Law 218 was repealed and the legal regime for SSM was integrated into the new Minerals and Mining Act,2006 (Act 703). Sections 81-99 apply to SSM.
Small Scale Mining Prior To 2017.
Government had recognised the crisis situation associated with illegal small scale mining due to
- Virtual breakdown in its governace between 2014-2017.
- The massive influx of foreign nationals.
- Widespread land degradation.
- Invasion and destruction of forest cover.
- Wanton destruction and pollution of water bodies.
Importance of Small Scale Mining To Ghana's Economy.
- Currently a significant sector in 13 Regions(Originally in Eastern, Ashanti, Western and Central) providing livelihoods for over 3 million Ghanaians.
- Contributes economic growth in local communities.
- Provides raw gold for jewelry industry in Ghana.
- Revenue for MMDAs.
- Precursors to large scale exploration companies(Pathfinders)
- Source of gold for "Gold for Oil Policy"
- Contributes a third of gold production and foreign exchanges.
- SSM contributes 43% (2.1 million oz) of total gold production in 2018, and 100% Diamond production from 2008 to date.
Intervention(Reforms),
- Organization of consultative Dialogues on SSM
- Engagement with the Council of State.
- Engagement with the Regional Ministers and Regional Security Councils.
- Engagement with National and Regional Houses of Chiefs.
- Engagement with MMDCEs.
- Engagement with Small Scale Miners and Mining communities
- Commissioning of 100 Mercury-Free gold processing equipment(Gold Kacha) by H.E April 2022.
- Online application for small scale mining license.
- Retooling of inspectorate division of the minerals commission.
- Geological investigations of Blocked-out Areas.
- 17 Community mining schemes commissioned since 2021, creating over 61,500 direct and 22,900 indirect jobs(84,400 jobs).
- Alternative livelihood project(ALPs) and National Alternative Employment and livelihood programmes(NAELPs)
Interventions( Enforcement)
- Declaration of red zones(Forest and Water Bodies).
- Operation Halt II.
- Acquisition of speed boats for patrolling river bodies.
- Recruitment of River/Mine wardens.
- Establishment of District mining committees.
- Development of an operational manual for Small Scale Mining.
- Establishment of control room to track earth-moving equipment.
As a result of the interventions, other countries have been sending mission to under-study Ghana's SSM Sector since 2021.
- South Africa
- Sudan
- Cameroon
- Sierra leone
- Liberia
- Zambia
- Kenya(Expected in April 2023)
Conclusion
- Indeed, the government has championed responsible mining by implementing several interventions.
- Although some gains have been made, the situation is far from from satisfactory.
- We need to intensify the multi-sectoral and collective effort at all levels to consolidate the gain made in ensuring responsible mining.