Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has launched the 2022 edition of the responsible small-scale mining awards in Accra.

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources speaking at the awards, explained that the initiative is an effort of government and the Ministry to sanitize the mining industry and make it more attractive.

“While clamping down illegal mining, there is the need for a conscious effort to also promote legal and responsible small scale mining. This is the rationale behind the responsible small scale mining Awards.”
Samuel Abu Jinapor

The Minister noted that contrary to suggestions from critics that President Akufo-Addo’s administration is against small-scale mining, the government recognizes small-scale mining as key component of the country’s mining regime and is determined to sanitize it.

Mr. Jinapor, meanwhile, urged all stakeholders to work closely together and help promote the mining industry in Ghana.

The sector minister noted that although the sector has been bedeviled with many practices that are unacceptable with consequences of adverse impact on the country’s river bodies, landscape and forest cover, it is also an important sector that contributes up to 40% of the country’s gold output and therefore, “government is very mindful of the sector, ensuring that it is well managed”.

Efforts By Government to Curb Illegal Mining

Mr. Samuel Abu Jinapor recounted a number of efforts that have been put in place to curb the menace, including dialogue and a number of initiatives.

“Some of these measures include the national and regional dialogue, Operation Halt, the reformative efforts we are making through community mining, the mercury-free Gold processing machine we procured and the National Alternative Livelihood Programme we’ve rolled out.”
Samuel Abu Jinapor

The minister pointed out strongly that in spite of all these measures, the Ministry has deemed it necessary to also reward and promote responsible small scale miners and recognise them to also serve as a measure to curb the menace and to confirm government’s resolve of not being against small-scale mining but rather committed to sanitizing and improving the industry.

“I would like to reiterate that the President and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is not against small scale mining but is absolutely committed and determined to continue with efforts to sanitize the small scale mining industry in Ghana.”
Samuel Abu Jinapor

The initiative, which is a brainchild of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, seeks to celebrate adherence to health, safety and environmental standards guiding mining operations

Mr. Jinapor noted that this year’s awards scheme is going to see to the expansion of the number of awardees, while outlining the categories for the awards ceremony as: Best Female Small-Scale Miner; Best Male Small-Scale Miner; Best Small-Scale Miner in Environmental Stewardship; Best Small-Scale Miner in Corporate Social Responsibility; Best Gold Exporter; Best Metropolitan/Municipal or District Chief Executive; Best Traditional Leader