Small-scale mining forms an important sector of Ghana’s economy, employing one million people directly and supporting the livelihoods of about 4.5 million people. The industry accounts for 35% of the country’s total gold production.
Galamsay meaning ‘gather and sell’ has caused severe damage to the environment. The practice has destroyed farmlands and polluted all our water bodies.
After governments total failure to deal with illegal and small scale mining in Ghana, the state under the uspices of the ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Ministry has organised a National Consultative Dialogue on Small Scale Mining at the conference centre.
Making her submition at the dialogue, the Chair and Leader of the Convention People’s Party, Nana Akosua Frimpomaa has stated that:
‘Until the state recognize that all mineral lands and concessions belongs to the chiefs and consciously engage them in the planning, we will always come back to the table to discuss this same issue every year’.
The Queen Mother said ‘we have not shown genuine commitment in the fight against small scale mining. Former President Mahama failed in his quest to stop galamsay and President Nana Addo has also failed miserable in his first term. Nana Frimpomaa added, Operation Vanguard compromised itself in the process and has serries of allegations unanswered. This nation must be serious if we truly want to leave a better legacy for our future.
The 2-day program organised by the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry is aimed at how small-scale mining can be operated without badly affecting the environment.
The event is graced by President Akufo-Addo, Lands and Natural Minerals Minister, Samuel Jinapor, Chief of Staff, Frema Opare, Council of State, Leaders of Politics Parties, Diplomatic Missions in Ghana and many other dignitaries.
GH PRESS CENTRE 