Small-scale miners urge Akufo-Addo to reject outright mining ban

Responsible Small-Scale Miners Association has urged President Akufo-Addo to reject calls for a ban on all small-scale mining activities.

They also called on the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to sign and issue all mining applications before him, allowing legitimate and responsible miners to operate and ensuring compliance.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) and other associations have called for a ban on all small-scale mining activities to preserve lands and water bodies.

However, addressing a press conference in Kumasi Sunday, Mr Philip Bawa, President of the group, described the call for a ban as "unacceptable, irresponsible, and uncalled for," urging President Akufo-Addo to reject it.

While emphasizing their commitment to responsible mining practices, Mr. Bawa noted that laws already ban irresponsible mining activities and allow responsible miners to operate, questioning why all small-scale mining should be banned.

Mr Bawa highlighted that robbery and other crime-related activities increase whenever bans are placed on small-scale mining activities, leading to unemployment, emphasizing that small-scale mining employs 6 million people.

He, therefore, called on President Akufo-Addo to reject the mining ban call, urging him not to send security to disturb responsible miners, pledging that they will self-regulate and eliminate irresponsible miners within 60 days.