Akufo-Addo is not interested in collapsing small-scale mining - Bisiw

The Inter-Ministerial Committee Executive Secretary on small-scale mining, Mr Charles Bisiw, has disclosed the vetting process for small-scale miners will run for 42 days.

According to him, President Akufo-Addo has not intention to collapse small-scale mining as alleged by some individuals rather his interest to sanitize the practice and end illegal mining popularly known as galamsey.

The move forms part of government's strategy to ensure that small-scale mining is done in a responsible, environmentally-friendly and sustainable manner. In December 2017, President Akufo-Addo announced the vetting in a bid to eliminate illegal small-scale mining in the country.

Subsequently, an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) was inaugurated to achieve the long-term objectives of combating illegal small-scale mining, protecting the environment, and ensuring that mining in the country conforms to international standards, rules and regulations.

Mr Bisiw said the vetting is key and has admonished all small-scale miners to go through the processes and assist government achieve its aim.

He explained that all small-scale miners are to submit all relevant documentation to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) Secretariat by post or in person before Friday, September 7, 2018.

The documents they are expected to present including Mining License, Environmental Permit, Operating Permit, Certificate of Registration, Tax Identification Number, two copies of passport size photos, Birth Certificate, Passport or Voter’s ID and current contact details for the vetting.

Persons who pass the vetting will be cleared to return to the mines when the government eventually lifts its 2017 ban on all forms of small-scale mining activities, he added;.

In August this year, the inter-ministerial task-force on Galamsey has adopted what launched a technology-driven strategies to combat illegal mining. Key among the technologies is a software called Galamstop, which will monitor the activities of illegal miners.