The National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana (NCSSMAG) has condemned the tragic loss of lives following recent shootings at Obuasi.
While extending its condolences to the families of those affected in their quest to earn a living, the association stressed that these actions are unacceptable and called for justice for the victims.
In a statement issued and signed by its President, Michael Kwadwo Peprah, the Association said no one should lose their life in such circumstances and called for thorough investigations into the incidents leading to their loss of lives and justice for the victims.
The association has, however, attributed the persistent challenges of illegal mining (galamsey) to the failure of past administrations to implement sustainable solutions adding that previous governments had ignored the well-crafted recommendations of the Dr. Anyimadu-Antwi-led committee, which had proposed a relocation plan that would have relinquished 60% of mining concessions to indigenous small-scale miners.
The association noted that instead of supporting this initiative, these concessions were handed over to politicians, businessmen, and foreign entities, including Chinese companies thus contributing to the proliferation of illegal mining and the social and environmental crises facing Ghana now.
It noted that in Ghana these opportunities were squandered unlike other countries like Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, South Africa, and Zimbabwe that have implemented such policies to regulate and manage small-scale mining effectively.
The association cited Kingasini, where small-scale miners were successfully relocated and created peace and stability in the mining community and urged Ghana to learn from these examples to resolve ongoing conflicts and mitigate the effects of illegal mining.
Meanwhile, NCSSMAG has called for investigations into the misallocation of the 60% relinquished concessions meant for small-scale miners and hold the individuals and entities who facilitated these decisions accountable and ensure the implementation of Sustainable Policies as recommended by the Dr. Anyimadu-Antwi-led committee.
It also wants authorities to ensure that mining concessions are fairly allocated to indigenous miners to promote inclusivity and local economic growth as well as support Small-Scale Miners by providing technical, financial, and logistical support for indigenous small-scale miners to operate sustainably and responsibly.
The association also proposed that clear policies are established to curb illegal mining while creating legitimate opportunities for small-scale miners.
It suggested that Reports and Prosecution of Perpetrators as well as all findings related to the illegal allocation of mining concessions are published and those who misused their positions to benefit at the expense of Ghanaian miners and communities are prosecuted.
The National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association has, therefore, assured its commitment to engaging stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the sector and urged the government and relevant authorities to act swiftly to address these pressing issues since “the future of Ghana’s mining communities depends on the decisions we make today”.
