Public Relations Officer for the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners in Prestea (GNASSM ) Huni-Valley, Mr. Victor Kwesi Okwam has denied claims of illegal mining at the New Bogoso South Pit.
He stated that the site, permitted for underground rock mining, operates legally under Heath Goldfields for Responsible Corporate Mines without harming the environment.
Mr. Victor Kwesi described claims as unfounded while boldly refuting all the allegations surrounding a recent mining activity in Prestea Huni-Valley.
Addressing the media on-site, Okwam sought to set the record straight, emphasizing that the ongoing work in the area is not a case of illegal mining, as purported by various media outlets and radio stations.
Instead, he explains that the team is engaged in the rehabilitation of an old mining pit left behind by a large-scale mining company.
“Whatever allegations that the media houses and the radio stations heard about this particular exercise here, as we are here, you can see that whatever they said on the radio or television is not true.”
Mr. Victor Kwesi Okwam
Rehabilitating an Abandoned Mining Pit
Mr. Okwam in buttressing his refutations, provided a detailed account of the circumstances that led to the current activities in the area.
“This is an old site, an old pit, which the large-scale mining company mined here some years back. And after that, the pit was full of water,” he explained, shedding light on the origins of the site.
“That is the reason why they were making that allegation that people are drunk and whatever, whatever. This is the case that the community youth realised that they can make something better from this particular point.”
Mr. Victor Kwesi Okwam
Accoring to the Public Relations Officer, the mover underscores the community’s proactive approach in addressing the abandoned site.
The Ghana National Association Small-Scale Mminers’ PRO further elaborated on the steps taken by the community, stating, “That is the reason why we pumped the water out and then we rented excavator to come and then clear the muddy material.”
This process, he noted, was undertaken to transform the neglected site into a productive and environmentally responsible mining operation.
Responsible Small-Scale Mining
Mr. Okwam’s remarks underscore the role of small-scale miners in Ghana’s mining landscape and their contribution to the country’s economic development.
He emphasized the importance of providing viable employment opportunities for the youth, particularly in areas where large-scale mining companies have left behind abandoned sites.
“This is the time for the youth to have a place to work,” Okwam stated, underscoring the community’s desire to make productive use of the rehabilitated pit and create sustainable livelihoods for the local population.
The GNASSM’s involvement in this project aligns with the association’s broader mandate to promote responsible and sustainable small-scale mining practices.
Being the voice of the small-scale mining sector, the GNASSM plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights and interests of its members, while also ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and industry best practices.
Mr. Okwam’s resolute response to the unfounded allegations underscores the GNASSM’s commitment to transparency and accountability within the small-scale mining industry
While the government continues its efforts to formalize and regulate the sector, the association’s constructive engagement with stakeholders will be crucial in shaping a more sustainable and equitable mining landscape in Ghana.
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