Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, and the running mate of the Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Napo) have dismissed calls for a total ban on all small-scale mining operations, labeling them as misguided.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Meretweso Community Mining Scheme in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality, Duker argued that banning small-scale mining would be a “misplaced priority.” He highlighted the government’s plan to introduce river guards to protect water bodies, reaffirming the need to focus on responsible mining rather than a blanket prohibition.
He criticized the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining activities but emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting responsible and regulated mining practices. Duker reaffirmed that the government’s efforts to end illegal mining remain strong, urging for a collective approach to tackle the issue effectively.
His comments come in response to growing appeals from professional groups, including the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and various unions, which have called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to impose an immediate ban on small-scale mining. These bodies argue that such a ban would help combat the extensive environmental degradation, particularly the damage to water bodies caused by illegal mining operations. Organised Labour has even threatened a nationwide strike if decisive measures are not taken to protect the environment from further harm.
Ghanaians have largely criticized both the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and the running mate of Dr Bawumia for their comments in a time where many Ghanaians have risen against Galamsey with an impending strike action by the Organized Labour, describing it as irresponsible remarks which only encourage the miscreants engaged in Illegal Mining in the country.
Comments from George Mireku Duker Over Illegal Mining (Galamsey)
It is misdirected because I was expecting them to have condemned the statement made by his excellency the former President Mahama before even calling for this action because you can’t just in a way out of the blue you just say put a ban. Ban on what.
What are the metrics, what have you done. What analysis have you done. The statement President Mahama made was unfortunate so why didn’t they in a way ask him to apologise.
Secondly, yes people are destroying our waterbodies there are measures we need to take to clamp down recalcitrants who are destroying our waterbodies, and I agree with them perfectly…But I am against it.
Personally against the call for the ban on mining generally. You can’t ban mining. Why must you ban mining, Mr Duker remarked.
Video of Running mate of Dr Bawumia, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Napo) over Illegal Mining (Galamsey)
Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh Speaks About Galamsey, take a listen 🤔#GhanaTrends
_______________
Vanessa Ghana Police Florence Obinim #Knacking Ghana Bar Association— GhanaTrends.com (@GhanaTrendsInc) September 10, 2024
