Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has stated that the small-scale mining sector plays a significant role in our economy— providing livelihoods for thousands of our people and contributing to the development of our nation.
He said the sector has been both a bedrock of livelihood for many and a source of considerable environmental and safety concerns, as well as concerns about illegal mining activities.
Today, he said “the sector stands at a crossroads, and the decisions we make or fail to make and the actions we take or fail to take will determine its role in our nation’s future.”
As a nation, he added, “we cannot fail to recognise the significant contributions of small-scale mining to our economy. It is estimated to provide employment for over a million Ghanaians and serve as a crucial source of income in many of our rural areas.
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“However, the environmental impact of unregulated activities has been profound, negatively affecting our water bodies, land, and forests. I am dedicated to supporting the transformation of small-scale mining, and my vision in this regard is clear.
“My party, the NDC, and I aim to reform small-scale mining into a better, regulated,
environmentally responsible, and economically viable sector. You all agree with me, ladies and gentlemen, that we can develop the sector into one that contributes to our economy in a sustainable manner while respecting our environmental heritage,” Addressing the ‘3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-scale mining’ organised by the University of Energy and Natural Resources in Sunyani on Wednesday, May 15.
