Tarkwa miners urge government to reject blanket mining ban

The management and workers of Tarkwa Community Mining have urged the government to reject calls for a blanket ban on mining operations, including community mining initiatives. They argue that their operations, conducted underground, have minimal impact on surface water bodies and the environment, and that such a ban would devastate livelihoods in Tarkwa and surrounding areas.

These concerns were expressed during a tour organized by Miners for Bawumia (M4B) at the Tarkwa Community Mining site in the Western Region. The tour was held in response to demands from some political and civil society groups for a total ban on mining across the country.

Kwadwo Sarfo, Public Relations Manager for Tarkwa Community Mining, emphasized the responsible nature of their operations, saying, “We don’t pollute river bodies or destroy the environment,” and noted that their safety policy prioritizes worker wellbeing. He warned that a total ban would cripple the local economy and cost jobs in communities reliant on mining.

Speaking to the Akoon Group during the tour, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, dismissed the calls for a ban, stating that no political group had the authority to impose such a decision. “This government will not ban mining today or tomorrow. Galamsey is already illegal, so what are they really calling for?” Duker questioned. He further stressed that a ban would unfairly target responsible mining, which plays a crucial role in Ghana’s economy.

Duker reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a sustainable mining economy that benefits local interests alongside foreign investors. He asked the miners if they engaged in harmful practices, such as mining in water bodies or forest reserves, to highlight the responsible nature of community mining.

He warned that banning community mining would lead to widespread economic hardship, threatening the stability and security of families in mining areas like Tarkwa. Such a move, he said, would undermine the government’s community mining program, which seeks to promote responsible mining while creating jobs and fostering economic growth. Duker urged the miners to continue supporting the government’s efforts to promote sustainable community mining, while avoiding practices that harm the environment. He also encouraged them to back Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign to sustain and develop the mining industry in Ghana.