Building a sustainable small-scale mining sector is in the interest of the country - NDC Mining Committee

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Committee responsible for the party’s campaign activities on mining and policies for the smooth operation of the small-scale mining sector has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting miners.

Campaigning in Amansie Central in the Ashanti Region for votes for the NDC’s flag bearer, John Dramani Mahama, ahead of the December 7th polls, the committee urged miners to vote for the NDC, describing their policies as the best for the sector.

The meeting, which brought together all mining stakeholders in the district, served as a platform for the NDC to highlight its policies for the mining sector.

Addressing the miners, industry player Michael Kwadwo Peprah, president of the Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana, said, “Ghana came to meet small-scale mining in 1876. When the white man came to Ghana to start mining, we were already in the business.”

He further emphasized that the difference between the NDC and the NPP in terms of policy is clear, adding that the NDC creates an enabling environment for miners to operate without intimidation or discrimination on political lines.

“I have always said it in all the areas we have campaigned across the mining districts: the NDC has always supported the work of small-scale miners. Whenever the NDC is in government, you all know how we support our work responsibly. As we speak, you all know how badly this government has treated you in the sector. But it is not too late. The time is now; you have to make a positive change in these elections for the survival of the small-scale mining sector by voting massively for the NDC flag bearer, John Dramani Mahama, and its parliamentary candidates,” he campaigned.

The miners, after carefully listening to the NDC’s proposals, pledged to vote for the party, describing its campaign policies for the small-scale mining sector as “most appropriate.”

However, Chairman Osama, chairman of the Small-Scale Miners Association, on behalf of the miners, warned the NDC of potential consequences if they fail to honor their promises.

“We are miners. All we need is for the government to create an enabling environment for us to operate and also resource us to mine responsibly—nothing more. Once you do this for us, you get our votes in the next election. But if you fail us, next time when you call us like this, we will not come, or we will come and listen but with a pre-formed decision to vote against you in the 2028 elections. This is because we can’t fight you when you are in government,” he cautioned the campaign team.

Samuel Hadjor, a senior member of the NDC’s mining campaign team, assured the miners of the party’s commitment to reviving the small-scale mining sector.

“In our mining policy document, we have stated that each mining district will host a Minerals Commission district office. This is to eliminate the struggle miners go through to renew their operational licenses. Under the NDC, you will secure your licenses here at the district level without the risks associated with traveling to Accra. Establishing these offices at the district level will easily regulate the sector and also check illegal mining, as miners will have no reason to engage in illegal activities because the process of acquiring licenses will be simplified,” he reiterated.

Adjei Baffour Acquah also called on the miners to close their mining operations on Thursday, December 5, 2024, to enable their workers to fully participate in the elections.

“I am begging all of you here to close site work on Thursday, December 5, 2024, so that you and your workers can fully participate in the elections. We need your votes to reset the mining sector and create peace and stability in the industry,” he pleaded.

With just nine days to the December 7, 2024, presidential and parliamentary elections, the NDC Committee on Mining, led by Dr. Tony Aubynn, Mr. Samuel Hadjor, Michael Kojo Peprah, and Adjei Baffour Acquah, is leaving no stone unturned in the mining districts across the country.