The Chief of Wassa Asikuma, Baffour Kwame Anim II, has urged small-scale miners to unite against illegal mining (galamsey), calling on those operating legitimately to join forces, profile themselves and identify illegal miners within their ranks.
Speaking at a durbar of small-scale miners at Wassa Akropong, capital of the Wassa Amenfi East District in the Western Region on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 Baffour Anim II underscored the need for collective action to eliminate illegal miners.
The Chief’s appeal comes amidst growing concerns about the devastating impact of galamsey on the environment, water bodies and local communities. The Chief’s traditional area has not been immune to the effects of galamsey.
The durbar was organised by the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) under the theme: “Sustainable Small-Scale Mining for National Development”.
The event brought together stakeholders such as the clergy, district chief executives, opinion leaders, youth groups, law enforcement agencies and traditional authorities.
Baffour Anim II, commenting further, revealed that there is a huge number of licensed small-scale miners who have not joined GNASSM.
This situation, he added, made the work of the GNASSM very difficult and urged all who have not joined GNASSM to immediately do so.
“It’s time for legitimate small-scale miners to take ownership of the fight against galamsey.
By profiling yourselves and working together, you can help eliminate those who tarnish your reputation”, he noted.
The Chief of Wassa Asikuma stressed that licensed small-scale miners must promote responsible mining practices by establishing standards, monitoring compliance and reporting illegal activities.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Wassa Amenfi East Municipal Assembly, Frederick Korankye reiterated calls for the small-scale miners to remain resolute and commit to being responsible in all their operations, particularly towards the environment.
He urged all those calling for a total ban on all forms of mining and related activities to have a second look at their stance, as their request when granted will have adverse consequences on the Ghanaian economy.
“We have noted with concern some resource persons that are called on radio and television programs to speak on illegal mining and its devastating impact on the environment.
“These resource persons end up speaking with emotions rather than providing solutions to addressing the challenge at hand.
“They always appear not to understand small-scale mining where the license holders mine responsibly and in a sustainable manner”, he noted.
The National Vice-President of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners, Sampson Kofi Wiredu advised illegal miners to stop mining in river bodies. They should also remove all their changfans and leave the area peacefully. He also urged those mining in forest reserves to also bring their operations to a halt.
“Mining in river bodies and forest reserves are prohibited. These areas are red zones. This note of caution is a peaceful one and we expect all those mining in the rivers and forest reserves to go. However, our taskforce and monitoring units supported by the military will not deal kindly with non-compliant illegal miners. We will arrest and prosecute them”, he said.
By Stephen Odoi-Larbi
