Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Coordinator of Mining Communities for Bawumia Campaign, George Mireku Duker, has launched a group to promote responsible small-scale mining and canvass votes for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s presidential campaign.
The group, ‘Miners4Bawumia’ officially launched at Akwatia in the Eastern Region last Friday, September 20, 2024, was attended by scores of miners from various communities across the country.
Addressing the gathering which turned into a mammoth rally, Mr Duker, tasked members of the group to rise up and become leading voices in the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey in the country.
He stated that the group’s objective is to propagate the government’s good works in the mining sector, as well as advocate for environmentally friendly mining practices towards Bawumia’s vision for small-scale mining.
“Miners4Bawumia is now the official group of responsible miners who are committed to propagating the government’s good works in the mining sector and canvassing votes for Dr Bawumia in mining communities towards victory in 2024,” he said.
Allaying the fears of the miners, the Deputy Minister stated that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer appreciates the enormous contribution of the mining sector to the Ghanaian economy and will not pursue policies that will cripple the sector, but will implement policies and measures that will improve and sanitize the galamsey menace.
He indicated that “small-scale mining shall not be banned. Instead, the government will continue the regularization efforts and root out the recalcitrant on the water bodies.
The Tarkwa-Nsuaem Member of Parliament (MP) also outlined some critical cutting-edge mining policies of Dr Bawumia, such as the establishment of the Minerals Development Bank, the creation of more community mining schemes, the establishment of mineral processing units in mining districts, a pension scheme for miners and many others.
Reacting to recent calls for a ban on small scale mining, the Deputy Minister, explained that the country’s laws already proscribe illegal mining and all that is needed to be done is the enforcement of the laws.
Emphasizing his commitment and consistency in the protection of the interest of responsible small-scale miners, he charged the miners to take part in the government’s fight against illegal mining and help improve the sector.
He assured, “As the Campaign Coordinator for Mining Communities/Sector of the NPP 2024 Campaign, I shall, together with all relevant stakeholders, continue this vital engagement across all mining districts to ensure that the NDC is kept at their bay of propaganda, propagate the bold solutions of Dr Bawumia for the Mining Sector and help deliver votes in Mining Communities to the inevitable Bawumia Presidency.”
The New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary candidate for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, outlined the socioeconomic impact of small-scale mining in the area, noting that over 5 million Ghanaians benefit from the sector.
While advocating against illegal mining, Ernest Kumi reiterated the stance of the NPP and government against dropping the hammer on the sector, noting that several Ghanaians will suffer severe consequences if the government heeds calls for a total ban on the sector.
Mr Jeff Konadu, the Eastern Regional chairman of the NPP urged the miners not to fall for what he contends to be empty promises of the NDC.
He paid glowing tributes to Duker for his efforts in advancing the interest of small-scale miners in Parliament and government.
He challenged the presidential candidate of the NDC to come out and declare his position on the raging matter.
Ama Sey, the former MP for the area, rallied the miners for the Bawumia 2024 campaign, assuring them of the protection of their jobs should Bawumia win the elections.
The leadership of the group expressed gratitude to Duker for the assurance and promised to campaign and support the bid of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to become president of the country.