Dr. Tony Aubynn, former CEO of the Minerals Commission, has urged small-scale mining leaders to back NDC presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama in the upcoming elections.
He emphasized that the NDC is dedicated to reforming the small-scale mining sector for the benefit of both the government and local miners.
Dr. Aubynn also noted the party’s long-standing support for small-scale mining and its continued focus on creating a favorable environment for miners to thrive.
“Former President Rawlings took significant steps to regularize small-scale mining to empower locals when the sector was dominated by foreign interests”.
“Small-scale mining has existed in Ghana for decades, but after independence, it was criminalized for locals. It was in 1989 that former President Jerry John Rawlings changed the laws, allowing local participation in small-scale mining. The NDC has never opposed small-scale mining”.
Dr. Tony Aubynn
However, Dr. Aubynn clarified that the NDC strongly opposes irresponsible mining practices that damage the environment, pollute water bodies, and deplete forest reserves.
He emphasized that the party is committed to sustainable mining practices that preserve natural resources for future generations.
He further stated that during the NDC’s campaign in mining regions, the party has gained valuable insights from local miners.
These interactions have provided a deeper understanding of the challenges miners face, helping shape the party’s policies to better support and empower them while ensuring environmental protection. “We recognize that not all mining sites are involved in illegal practices or environmental destruction”.
He also highlighted that the NDC’s Mining Committee consists of a diverse group of experts, including industry leaders, mining engineers, and technical safety professionals.
According to him, this team is fully prepared to offer miners the technical advice, specialized training, and ongoing guidance required to enhance their operations and ensure sustainable practices within the industry.
In addition, Dr. Aubynn urged mining site owners across the country to consider temporarily halting operations for two days leading up to the December 7, 2024, elections.
This pause would provide workers with the necessary time to participate in the electoral process and exercise their right to vote.
He noted that this will ensure that mine workers are not deprived of this fundamental civic duty due to work commitments.
Mahama to Prioritize Youth-Inclusive Innovations in Mining
Additionally, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the NDC’s Director of Elections and IT stated that if elected, the party’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, will prioritize sustainable and youth-inclusive innovations in small-scale mining.
He explained that the initiative will focus on environmental protection, regulatory efficiency, and fostering economic growth.
Dr. Omane Boamah further emphasized that Mr. Mahama’s plan will streamline and simplify the processes for small-scale and artisanal miners, making it easier for them to operate within a more structured and supportive framework.
The party aims to decentralize the licensing and regulatory systems, reducing the burden on miners to comply with legal requirements.
Dr. Omane Boamah also revealed that a board will be established to regulate small-scale mining, along with the creation of a revolving fund to provide financial support for the sector.
The initiative will focus on improving access to financing for equipment, securing essential mining inputs, enhancing research, and offering post-mining land reclamation services to encourage environmentally responsible practices.
Additionally, as part of the program, young people will be employed in a national land reclamation project, which will involve tree planting in mining areas to restore the environment.
Omane Boamah explained that the initiative aims to restore degraded lands through a “grow, adapt, and nurture” tree policy, which will support environmental restoration while also creating jobs.
He also emphasized that the next NDC government plans to increase value addition in Ghana’s gold sector.
This will include collaborating with stakeholders to enhance local goldsmithing and jewelry production through the NDC’s national apprenticeship program.
