Dr. Anthony Aubynn, the Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Election Committee on Mining, recently expressed his deep appreciation to the small-scale miners across the country for their invaluable support during the 2024 elections. His gratitude came after the NDC secured a significant victory in mining constituencies, areas that are crucial to the nation's mining economy. Dr. Aubynn highlighted the role the small-scale miners played in ensuring the party’s success in these areas, pointing out that their unwavering dedication to the NDC campaign was instrumental in garnering the necessary votes for victory.
Speaking from Kumasi, following the election of President-elect John Dramani Mahama, Dr. Aubynn reiterated the NDC’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing the mining sector, particularly the plight of small-scale miners. He stressed that the NDC’s upcoming administration would focus heavily on implementing reforms that would directly benefit the small-scale mining community. According to Dr. Aubynn, these reforms would center on providing much-needed support and creating a more structured environment for miners to thrive.
One of the biggest issues facing small-scale miners, according to Dr. Aubynn, is the difficult and often prohibitive process of obtaining licenses. Currently, miners are required to travel long distances to Accra, which is not only time-consuming but also expensive. Many miners, frustrated by the bureaucratic hurdles and financial costs, often resort to illegal mining practices. To tackle this issue, Dr. Aubynn revealed that an NDC government would establish district offices of the Minerals Commission in mining communities. This move would significantly ease the licensing process, making it more accessible for miners in remote areas and encouraging legal and regulated mining activities.
Beyond licensing issues, Dr. Aubynn also expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of illegal mining, particularly the damage caused by unregulated mining activities to the environment. He noted that small-scale miners often face unfair competition from foreign nationals, especially Chinese miners, who have disproportionately benefited from the government’s Community Mining Scheme. Dr. Aubynn criticized the scheme for favoring foreign interests over those of local miners, claiming that this has resulted in significant losses for local communities. He promised that under an NDC government, the party would replace the Community Mining Scheme with a more inclusive and locally focused initiative: the Cooperative Mining Scheme. This new approach would prioritize the needs and interests of Ghanaian miners and promote sustainable mining practices that protect the environment while supporting local communities.
In addition to the Cooperative Mining Scheme, Dr. Aubynn outlined plans for the establishment of a special fund to support cooperative mining activities. This fund would be carefully managed under the guidance of mining experts to ensure that it adheres to international best practices and standards. The fund would aim to create a more sustainable and prosperous mining sector, improving economic growth in mining communities and reducing the environmental damage often associated with unregulated mining operations.
Dr. Aubynn also emphasized that the NDC’s reforms would not only focus on tackling the challenges within the small-scale mining sector but would also work to improve the broader mining industry. He expressed confidence that the NDC could revitalize the mining sector, bringing significant benefits to Ghana’s economy. He encouraged the small-scale miners to continue supporting the NDC, noting that the current administration had failed to properly manage the mining sector, resulting in widespread dissatisfaction among miners.
The NDC mining campaign, led by Dr. Aubynn, played a pivotal role in addressing the concerns of miners throughout the country. Other prominent members of the campaign team included Samuel Hajor, Michael Kojo Preprah, Adjei Baffour Acquah, and Ebenezer Ayehu. Together, they worked to engage miners and rally their support for the NDC’s vision for a more inclusive and sustainable mining industry.
As the NDC prepares to take office, Dr. Aubynn assured small-scale miners that the party was committed to fulfilling its promises and implementing transformative reforms that would address the pressing issues in the mining sector. He expressed hope that with the continued support of the small-scale mining community, the NDC could bring about the changes needed to create a more equitable and prosperous future for mining communities across Ghana.
The small-scale mining community’s support for the NDC is seen as a crucial part of the party’s success in the 2024 elections. With many miners facing tough challenges in an increasingly difficult sector, Dr. Aubynn’s message of reform and empowerment has resonated with many, and the NDC is poised to make meaningful strides in transforming the mining landscape in Ghana. The party’s vision for the future of mining is one that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability and local empowerment, ensuring that the benefits of mining are shared by all Ghanaians.
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