The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has expressed concern over the misrepresentation of a recent press statement by Organized Labor, clarifying that the statement does not call for a ban on all forms of small-scale mining.
Released on October 1, 2024, the Organized Labor statement criticized the government’s lack of action in addressing illegal mining, also known as “galamsey,” and announced a planned nationwide strike starting October 10.
In a statement released by GNASSM, they emphasized their alignment with civil society organizations (CSOs), labor unions, religious bodies, and the general public on the urgent need to tackle environmental degradation caused by illegal mining.
However, they noted the crucial role that small-scale mining plays in the national economy, contributing over 8.4% to GDP and 40% of the country’s merchandise exports.
The association has proposed several measures to support the government in combating illegal mining:
1. Urgent Government Action: GNASSM called for immediate government deployment of personnel to water bodies to curb pollution, pledging full support for such efforts.
2. Reevaluation of Forest Reserve Permits: The association urged the government to reconsider issuing permits for mining in forest reserves. Any company failing to comply with the terms of their permit should face revocation.
3. Deployment of Task Force: GNASSM announced plans to deploy their task force to arrest illegal miners responsible for water body pollution, those mining near highways, and those involved in fabricating dredging equipment.
4. Enforcement of Mining Laws:The group urged the government to strictly enforce the provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995, to deal with the illegal miners.
GNASSM also appealed to Organized Labor to reconsider their planned strike, cautioning that it could further harm an already fragile economy. Instead, they called for a collaborative dialogue involving technical experts, free from political interference, to develop sustainable solutions to the illegal mining problem.
The association further stressed the importance of adopting a bipartisan approach, warning that politicizing the issue would only exacerbate the country’s challenges, particularly the vital need for clean water.
Recognizing the economic contributions of small-scale mining, GNASSM pointed out that the sector supports about 1 million direct jobs and indirectly affects the livelihoods of approximately 4 million people.
They emphasized that environmental destruction and the resulting food and water shortages pose significant security risks, making it crucial to find a balanced solution to protect both the environment and the economy.
GNASSM expressed hope that the current public pressure on the government presents an opportunity to address illegal mining once and for all.
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Story by: Cindy Selasi Humade | univers.ug.edu.gh
