
Samuel Abu Jinapor(2nd left), Minister of Lands and Natural Resources

As part of efforts at strengthening the mining sector to deliver development and jobs, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has presented 95 signed licences to members of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM).
At a brief presentation ceremony held yesterday, the sector minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, explained that the issuance of the licences was an affirmation of government’s commitment to the growth of the small-scale mining sector.
The Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to creating a complete value chain which would result in value retention in the mining sector.
He disclosed that the government would soon build a completely new small-scale mining sector typified by responsible mining, employment and improved living conditions for miners and mining communities.
He said government’s plan to achieve the above-stated objectives had seen the adoption of two approaches. These approaches, he mentioned, are reformation and law enforcement, which is exemplified by the policies of reform at the Minerals Commission, allied agencies and an effective enforcement of anti-galamsey laws.
Caution
He warned that government would be ruthless in its fight against illegal mining, adding that “law breakers will be dealt with in accordance to the law”.
“Those who will not come under the umbrella of the Responsible Small Scale Mining should know that the Ministry will come after them ruthlessly. All measures will be thoroughly enforced with no apologies,” he stressed.
According to the Minister, seizure and decommissioning of mining equipment still continue as a measure aimed at clamping down on activities of illegal mining. “The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is leading a drive to build a new gold purchasing model, similar to that of the Produce Buying Company in the cocoa sector,” he revealed.
The model, he said, would ensure that gold purchasing is done in a robust regime led by the Bank of Ghana, and urged members of the small-scale mining association to support the government to achieve the purpose for the new drive.
Support
A Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr George Mireku Duker, outlined government’s support for the small-scale mining sector, including the improved relations between the Ministry and the GNASSM.
He further disclosed that government through the Minerals Commission had introduced a mechanism that allowed for easy application and granting of mining resources.
The General Secretary of the GNASSM, Godwin Armah, expressed gratitude to the Sector Minister for accommodating and implementing some proposals made by the group. He assured the Association’s partnership with government to develop the mining sector to its apex.
