George Mireku Duker, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mines has made a clarion call on all mining stakeholders, from government officials to mining companies to community leaders, to come together and work towards a solution to clamp down on illegalities in the mining sector.
He said institutions must strengthen the regulatory framework, enhance enforcement mechanisms, and support the development of responsible mining practices that will benefit Ghana’s economy and people.
In his statement at the launch of a Research Report titled, “Regulatory Gaps in Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining in Ghana” on Thursday, 14th March 2024, Hon. Duker admitted that despite the economic significance of Ghana’s artisanal small-scale mining sector, there has been widespread societal discontent due to grave challenges that have characterised the sector over the past two decades.
Mr. Duker commended the Ghana Integrity Initiative and TAG International Development for the commissioning of a study under the UK-Ghana Gold Programme (UKGGP) to assess the gaps and weaknesses within the current regulatory regime governing the Artisanal and Small Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector in Ghana.
Highlighting some gaps, the Deputy Minister noted that the distinctive roles of the policymakers and specific security agencies assigned for illegalities in the mining sector should be clearly stated .
He further added that irrespective of the collective responsibility of government, it must be ensured that security agencies are well equipped to facilitate the clampdown of illegal activities.
Mr. Duker made known that the mining sector, particularly the Artisanal and Small Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) subsector, is also becoming more vulnerable to the emerging threat of illicit financial flows (IFFs), money laundering, and potential terrorist financing, mainly due to certain weaknesses and gaps in the regulatory frameworks and the enforcement regime in recent times.
Therefore a need for regulatory reforms to address identified weaknesses to insulate the sector from these emerging threats.
He asserted that government through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has initiated some policy and regulatory reforms including a review of the parent Act, the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) as a response to some of these emerging threats.
He used the platform to urge all stakeholders to use the report’s findings as a call to action and to commit to creating a more sustainable and responsible mining sector in Ghana that ensures the safety and well-being of all those involved.
In a panel discussion on how to get better, simpler ASGM regulations that are more complied with and enforced, Advisor to the Minister on Mines, Mr. Benjamin Aryee made insightful contributions while emphasizing on the need to have a role clarification among the respective agencies to synchronise activities in the sector.
In his submission, Mr. Aryee also affirmed the Ministry’s active involvement in sensitising both policy makers and security agencies responsible for dealing with criminal activities and illegalities in the sector.
Mr. Benjamin Aryee also explained the complexities of signing mining licences and the associated challenges of being misused.
Mr. Nana Akwasi Awuah, Managing Director of Precious Minerals Marketing Company touched on the company’s involvement in streamlining the mining industry.
The research report had two objectives, first, to present and discuss UKGGP’s ASGM regulations research report findings and recommendations.
Second, to build consensus on how to get simpler AGSM regulations and quicker licensing processes that benefit the community and are better complied with, monitored, and enforced.
