Former President Mahama boldly said he will sack public officials in his next government engaging in mining activities. “If you are a minister, a D.C.E, or an office holder and you undertake mining activity, I will sack you,” he declared. This declaration sent shockwaves through the political landscape, underscoring the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining activities, also known as “galamsey.”
Former President Mahama emphasized that individuals in public office must choose between serving the public or engaging in mining businesses. My government will not overlook the detrimental impact of illegal mining on the environment, particularly the degradation of lands and forests. In response to this pressing issue, President Mahama said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has proposed a comprehensive initiative aimed at reclaiming degraded lands and rehabilitating them to mitigate the loss of forests and agricultural lands.
According to the NDC, this initiative would play a crucial role in restoring degraded lands to their former state and creating employment opportunities for the youth in affected areas. Additionally, the NDC pledged to establish a reclamation fund, to be contributed to by regulated small-scale miners, to support the restoration efforts and ensure sustainable mining practices.
The proposed initiative and reclamation fund signaled a proactive approach to addressing the environmental and socio-economic challenges posed by illegal mining activities. It also demonstrated a commitment to fostering responsible and sustainable mining practices while safeguarding the country’s natural resources for future generations. As the political landscape evolved, the nation awaited further developments and actions to combat illegal mining and promote environmental conservation and sustainable development.
During a public engagement, former President John Mahama expressed his deep commitment to working with all stakeholders to chart a new vision for Ghana’s mining sector once he comes into power. He emphasized the sector’s significant role in the economy, providing livelihood for millions of youth in Ghana, and highlighted its contribution to the nation’s development.
The former president also stressed the importance of regulated small-scale mining and announced his intention to establish a special fund for small-scale miners, with contributions being returned to the miners after land rehabilitation. This initiative aims to promote responsible mining practices and environmental sustainability in the sector
John Dramani Mahama, the former president of Ghana, stood at the podium, addressing the audience at the forum for mining at UENR said there is a need for a financing system for small-scale mining companies to provide capital and mining equipment pools for the legal small-scale mining companies in each district where mining activities take place. Stressing the importance of regulated mining activities, Mahama emphasized the need for responsible and sustainable mining practices.
Furthermore, Mahama announced that the next NDC government would establish the Ghana Mining Excellence Center for five years. This center would be coordinated by two universities, UENR and UMass, and would focus on research and development in the mining sector. The center’s primary goal would be to promote innovation and best practices in mining, ensuring that the industry operates in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible manner.
As he concluded his speech, Mahama expressed his confidence that the initiatives would pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous mining industry in Ghana, benefiting both the economy and the local communities.
John Dramani Mahama, the former president, stated that large-scale mining organizations are interested in lands with substantial mineral deposits. He emphasized that areas with low mineral deposits would be given to small-scale miners, supervised by larger concession holders and regulatory agencies. Additionally, he mentioned the implementation of a technological system, including AI, to monitor and reduce the environmental impact of mining activities. Moreover, Mahama announced that the University of Massachusetts (UMASS) and the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UNER) would benefit from Ghana’s mining initiatives.
NDC flagbearer John Dramani Mahama has stated that the next NDC government is going to transform the gold mining industry in a way that prioritizes fairness and empathy for small-scale miners. The new NDC administration will establish a settlement buying mechanism that would ensure small-scale miners receive competitive pricing for their gold, acknowledging the hard work and dedication they put into their craft.
The government aimed to refine the raw gold, adding value to it before export, to create more opportunities and fair compensation for local miners. The focus was not only on economic gain but also on uplifting the communities involved in the gold mining industry.
Recognizing the importance of international standards, the NDC government sought to collaborate with the private sector to secure necessary certifications. This partnership is driven by a genuine desire to bring credibility and integrity to the gold supply chain, which would benefit all stakeholders involved.
In a move toward transparency and justice, the NDC expressed its commitment to investigating the “gold for oil” program. The aim is to shed light on any unfair advantages or exploitation that may have occurred, to rectify past injustices, and to ensure a more equitable future for all involved in the industry.
