‘Develop small-scale mining into decent jobs for youth’

A Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Ms Barbara Serwaa Asamoah, has called on small-scale mining companies to assist the Minerals Commission to effectively monitor, promote and develop mining operations in their designated areas.

That, she stressed, would ensure that small-scale mining in the districts would become a decent means of livelihood for the youth.
Ms Asamoah made the call at the joint inauguration ceremony of small-scale mining committees for the Kwaebibirem and Denkyembour districts at Kade.

Each district has a five-member committee chaired by Madam Faustina Korantemaa Addo and Mr Kwaku Abrokwah, the respective district chief executives.

Contribution to economy

Ms Asamoah emphasised that artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) contributed significantly to the country’s economy.

She mention that in 2014, total gold produced by small-scale miners was about 1.49 million ounces, representing 34.3 per cent of the total gold produced in the country.

“All diamonds produced in Ghana the same year was through the efforts of ASMs,” the deputy minister added.
According to her, small-scale miners also generated substantial employment for the youth, both directly and indirectly.

Challenges

Ms Asamoah noted with concern that the two districts were confronted with challenges associated with artisanal and small-scale mining activities, among which were the poor health and safety conditions under which the miners operated, environmental degradation, social conflicts, diseases and a high incidence of illegal mining.

“It is in the light of these challenges that mining committees have been formed to help manage small-scale mining activities in the area,” she stressed.

Welcome address 

Earlier in a welcome address, Madam Korantemaa Addo said mining had both positive and negative effects on the immediate environment, as well as the supportive populations.

The sub-sector, she said, employed about 36,000 people and represented about 38 per cent of total exports, adding that the sector was second to agriculture in terms of employment.