Reconsider Halting The Issuance Of Small-Scale Mining Licenses; It Can Will Lead To Abundant Galamsey- Gov’t Told

The government have been told reconsider its decision on halting the issuing prospecting license to small-scale miners but rather consider better expertise to fight the galamsey canker destroying forest and water bodies in the country.

The government has initiated moves to stop issuing prospecting license for small-scale mining as part of measures to overhaul the mining sector.

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said rather than issuing prospecting licenses to prospective miners, which was open to abuse, the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) would be resourced to undertake geological investigation for gold-rich lands, which would form the basis for the issuance of real licenses.

The Ellembelle MP made the disclosure when he paid his first working visit to the Minerals Commission to interact with the staff and learn at first hand the operations of the Control Room for the monitoring of excavators.

Based on this, the President of the Rock Miners Association, Okofo Dr. Twum Barima V has called on the government to reconsider its decisions and rather look for lasting solutions to combat the canker.

He further advised the minerals commission to fast-track process with applications laid before them on issuance of mining licenses adding that they are ready to help government ion the fight against galamsey to help their mining businesses.

He said these in a press conference and pledged their support to the GoldBod.

Legal Advisor for the Association Mr. Eric Offei, added that, he believes the establishment of the GoldBod is very good initiative by this government as it will regulate everything pertaining to gold.

Story by Bismark Mensah@A/R.