Over 100,000 small-scale miners across the country have declared war on foreign nationals engaging in illegal mining (galamsey) in and around river bodies, devasting Ghana’s water ecosystem and threatening livelihoods and access to potable water.
According to the miners, never in the history of the West African nation has their source of livelihood come under so much threat than in recent times, attributing the challenge to foreign nationals engaged in galamsey in restricted zones.
The miners who converged in Akwatia, an ancient mining town in the Eastern Region, on Friday, September 20, 2024, made this declaration during the inauguration of ‘Miners for Bawumia’.
According to Dan Nyame, Coordinator for Miners for Bawumia and a small-scale miner employing over 2,000 people: “We cannot sit idle while our source of livelihood is destroyed. Our small-scale mining activities are backed by law, specifically, the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and PNDC Law 218. However, foreign nationals illegally mining in our water bodies have brought our business under threat. We must rise up and act now.”
He underscored the importance of waging war against foreign galamseyers stating, “It is crucial to chase them out.”
Over 5 million jobs are on the line, Nyame stressed, insisting that they (miners) can only help themselves by engaging in sustainable mining practices.
Economic Significance of Small-scale Mining
The miners’ declaration comes amidst growing concerns over environmental degradation caused by galamsey. The significance of their announcement is underscored by the sector’s substantial contribution to Ghana’s economy.
According to a 2016 UNEP report, the small-scale mining sector directly employs over 1 million people and supports approximately 4.5 million more.. In contrast, the large-scale mining sector directly employs 8,760 people and 25,603 contractors, as reported by the 2020 GHEITI report.
Environmental Impact
Despite the sector’s economic importance, illegal small-scale mining activities continue to harm the environment.
The Ghana Water Company Limited reports that over 60% of the country’s water bodies are polluted due to illegal mining activities.
Call for a Ban
The dire situation triggered a call from Organized Labour, the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), and other bodies to the government to immediately place a total ban on small-scale mining or risk incurring their wrath if their demand is not met.
Government Response
The government has, however, ruled out an outright ban, opting instead for a more nuanced approach
The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and MP for Tarkwa Nsuem, George Mireku Duker, addressing the miners indicated that banning small-scale mining would require revoking the law and legalizing it, an action which rests in the bosom of Parliament.
“It is against the law to mine in any river body in this country. So, if you are calling for a ban on mining in this country, you must be specific – which one are you putting a moratorium on,” he quizzed.
Duker emphasized, “Small-scale mining must not be banned.”
Regardless of the government’s stance against an outright ban on small-scale mining, miners remain worried about Organized Labour’s utterances, cautioning them against such blanket statements.
“Small-scale miners are not criminals. We are law-abiding citizens contributing to Ghana’s economy. If Organized Labour insists on a total ban, what do they expect us to do,” asked Robert Lamptey, another miner with considerable experience in small-scale mining.
Nana Yaw Asarpong, Sompahene of Ahafo Nkasiem and a miner noted that mining has been a good source of livelihood for many Ghanaians for decades and dismissed calls for its outright ban. He reiterated calls to support the government in clamping down on galamseyers, especially, foreign nationals using ‘Changfan; to destroy river bodies.
Dr. Bawumia’s Support
The Eastern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Jeff Konadu, assured the miners of Dr. Bawumia’s support when he became President.
Dr. Mahumudu Bawumia, the NPP flagbearer, aims to regulate the industry effectively, support small-scale miners, and safeguard the environment through licensing miners, decentralizing the Minerals Commission and EPA, and establishing pension schemes for small-scale miners.
“Dr. Bawumia has said that he is going to use gold to strengthen the Cedi. If small-scale mining is banned, where is he going to get this gold to strengthen our Cedi? It is, therefore, important to note that the only political party that can support your business is the NPP”.
The Way Forward
The miners proposed a comprehensive dialogue on sustainable mining practices and strengthened regulatory enforcement. By working together with the government, they hope to find a solution that balances economic needs with environmental protection.
