The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners has received 95 signed permits from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (GNASSM).
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, stated that the issuance of the licences is an affirmation of the government's commitment to the growth of the Small-Scale Mining sector during a brief ceremony held on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, to present the mining licences to Members of the Association.
The Minister outlined the government's goal of building a comprehensive value chain that will preserve value in the mining industry.
He said that the government is creating an entirely new small-scale mining sector that would be characterised by ethical mining and employment. and bettered living conditions for mining communities and miners.
According to him, the government has adopted two strategies as part of its effort to accomplish the aforementioned goals.
The principles of reform at the Minerals Commission and other institutions, as well as the efficient execution of anti-galamsey legislation, are examples of the techniques he identified as being reformation and law enforcement.
He emphasised that the government will fight illicit mining with ruthlessness and that those who disobey the law will be dealt with accordingly.
"People who refuse to participate in responsible small-scale mining should be aware that the Ministry will pursue them aggressively. No excuses will be made and all measures will be strictly implemented."
According to the Minister, as long as the government continues to crack down on unlawful mining operations, the seizure and dismantling of mining equipment will go unabatedly.
He said that a campaign to create a new gold purchasing mechanism, like to the Produce Buying Company in the cocoa industry, is being driven by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
In line with this paradigm, he said that gold purchases would take place under a strict system overseen by the Bank of Ghana. As a result, he made a plea to the SMA's members to assist the government in achieving the goals of the new initiative.
The government's assistance for the small-scale mining industry is described in a presentation by Hon. George Mireku Duker, the deputy minister in charge of mines, and includes the Ministry's and the GNASSM's better communication.
He also revealed that the government, through the Minerals Commission, had put in place a system that made it simple to apply for and receive mining resources.
Godwin Armah, the GNASSM's general secretary, thanked the sector minister for accepting and putting some of the group's suggestions into practise.
He asserted that the Association would keep working with the government to make sure the mining industry is fully developed.