A socialist and mining expert, Nyeya Yen, has pointed out that banning small-scale mining could have severe implications for the livelihoods of many individuals involved in this sector. He argued that before considering a ban, it is essential to explore viable alternatives for those who rely on small-scale mining for income.
“So when you hear ‘ban small-scale mining and the people involved,’ these thoughts come to mind. But the idea is also, if you ban small-scale miners, is there an alternative type of employment or alternative means of income generation for them?”
According to him, the absence of a concrete plan from major political parties, including the NDC and NPP, on how to effectively manage small-scale mining further complicates the situation. He noted that while promises to enhance environmental practices in mining have been made, a comprehensive strategy remains elusive.
“Looking at the manifestos of the parties, especially the NDC and the NPP, they do not provide a concrete way to deal with small-scale miners. Most have talked about how, when they come to power, they will enhance and ensure that small-scale miners operate in an environmentally sustainable manner so that the environment is not destroyed.”
The socialist expressed a cautious stance on the effectiveness of small-scale mining, acknowledging the environmental challenges it presents. “To some extent, I agree that small-scale miners, considering the problems we are facing, should not be allowed because most of the time, they bring in more people.”
He proposed that the government should consider forming cooperative agreements with small-scale miners to ensure a more organized and sustainable approach. Such agreements, he said, could allow the government to retain a controlling interest while providing necessary resources to facilitate responsible mining practices. “What I would prefer is that the government should come out with a plan.
If you have a mining area and you want to allocate it to small-scale miners, the government should enter into an agreement, something like a cooperative. No community mining; cooperate with the small-scale miners. The government should hold something like 51 percent, and small-scale mining should be organized in such a way.”
Additionally, he called for immediate action to halt unregulated mining activities, commonly referred to as ‘galamsey,’ until a suitable alternative for miners can be established. “I would prefer a halt to every form of mining that people are calling small-scale mining and galamsey right now, but the immediate problem is that unless the government finds an alternative for the small-scale miners, it won’t work.”
He advocated for government support to help individuals transition into other sectors, suggesting that financial assistance could enable them to explore new business opportunities.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana
