The Chairman of the Ghana National Small Scale Miners’ Association, Kwahu – Abirem Zone, Solomon Otu has called for an effective collaboration between the Large and Small scale extractive sector – bodies, who are the main active operators of the Mining activities in Ghana.
Mr. Otu made the call during the opening of a three-day “Mining in Motion” summit in the Ashanti Region, hosted by the son of the King of the Ashanti Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Mr. Otu in his call raised issues of neglection from the system by the large scale sector due to the absence of proper cooperation from the side of the Large scale sector. He emphasized on the need to device a policy framework to ensure the small scale sector is fixed into the large cooperation.
“With the partnership with the small scale sector and the large scale, we mostly feel neglected from the system because the large scale do not have any cooperation with us but I think we need to device a lot of policies to make sure the smale scale sector is fixed into the large scale cooperation. Most of the small scale companies have areas they have prospected and they feel it is not viable for large scale Mining activities to go on but I think these concessions can be given to the scale mining sector to mine and strengthen the collaboration between these two bodies.
Again, we need to explore a lot of policies and I was grateful when the GoldBoD CEO together with the lands and natural resources minister spoke about the corporative concession groups they intend to build to be able to strengthen the collaboration between these two groups.
In most cases, if the large scale sector will be able to give some of these areas to the small scale, it will reduce conflicts between the community and the large scale sector.
So we’re saying that building cooperation with the small scale sector will empower the community and it will not only empower, the community will also feel part of the Large scale company and once they feel part of the whole architecture, the large scale sector will also feel secure in their operations“, he indicated
Mahama calls for transformation in Africa’s mining sector
Ghana’s President H.E. John Dramani Mahama has also challenged African nations to transform their mining sectors from mere extraction to value-added industrialization.
Speaking at the opening of the three-day “Mining in Motion” summit, President Mahama highlighted the paradox of mineral-rich nations remaining among the world’s poorest.
“Africa’s minerals continue to fuel global industries while our people see little benefit. We must shift from exporting raw materials to building refineries, processing plants, and manufacturing capabilities that create jobs and capture value locally”, President Mahama stated.
The President outlined Ghana’s strategic approach to the mining sector reform:
• Developing downstream industries for mineral processing.
• Formalizing artisanal and small-scale mining operations.
• Implementing strict environmental protections and promoting sustainable practices.
• Adopting technology for excavator tracking and chemical monitoring.
• Positioning Ghana as a key player in the global clean energy mineral supply chain.
H.E. Mahama also touched on the global transition to clean energy and the increasing demand for critical minerals like lithium and graphite. He emphasized Ghana’s readiness to play a central role in this new global landscape, establishing policy, legal, and investment frameworks to explore and develop critical mineral reserves.
The President concluded by emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and good governance in the mining sector, ensuring that mining revenues benefit all communities and promote development.
In a detailed presentation, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), elaborated on the need for responsible and sustainable artisanal mining practices in Ghana.
He highlighted the challenges posed by illicit mining, including environmental degradation and health implications.
Hon. Buah says artisanal and small-scale mining has been a significant sector in Ghana, with over 1 million people engaged in the trade. However, the sector has been plagued by challenges, including destroying water bodies and forests. He cited a recent report that 5,500 hectares of Ghana’s forest reserves had been destroyed.
To address these challenges, the Minister outlined a five-pillar approach to tackle the issue, including reforming the licensing regime, Law enforcement, Provision of Alternative Livelihoods, Stakeholder Engagements, and Reclamation of Degraded Lands with an emphasis on the Tree For Life program, which is set to kick off in June 2025. He also highlighted the critical need to regulate and monitor the imports and use of excavators and other earth-moving equipment into the country.
Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah also emphasized the importance of community ownership and participation in mining activities. He noted that large-scale mining companies would be encouraged to extend their best practices to the Small-Scale Mining Cooperatives. The government would work with stakeholders to create jobs and promote sustainable mining practices.
He concluded by emphasizing the need for a mindset shift in the mining sector—from prioritizing profits over people and the environment to balancing economic development with social and environmental responsibility.
