Mireku Duker rejects calls for blanket ban on small-scale mining, labels them misdirected
Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has dismissed appeals for a complete ban on small-scale mining, describing such calls as misdirected and unproductive.
Mireku Duker acknowledged the damage caused by illegal mining activities to Ghana’s water bodies and environment but emphasized that the government remains committed to promoting responsible mining rather than implementing an outright ban.
His response follows demands from groups such as the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and other unions, who have urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to impose an immediate halt to all small-scale mining operations in an effort to curb environmental degradation. Organised Labour has also threatened to go on strike if decisive action is not taken to address the ongoing destruction of water bodies by illegal miners.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Meretweso Community Mining Scheme in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality, Mr. Duker criticized the proposed ban, stating it would be a “misplaced priority.” He also expressed disappointment that those calling for the ban had not first addressed comments made by former President John Mahama, who had previously spoken in favour of illegal mining activities.
While agreeing that stronger measures are necessary to curb the destruction caused by illegal miners, Duker reiterated that a complete ban on small-scale mining is not the solution. Instead, he announced that the government would soon deploy river guards to protect water bodies from illegal mining activities, ensuring the fight against environmental degradation continues.
“It is misdirected because I was expecting them to have condemned the statement made by his excellency the former President Mahama before even calling for this action because you can’t just in a way out of the blue you just say put a ban. Ban on what.
“What are the metrics, what have you done. What analysis have you done. The statement President Mahama made was unfortunate so why didn’t they in a way ask him to apologise.”
“Secondly, yes people are destroying our waterbodies there are measures we need to take to clamp down recalcitrants who are destroying our waterbodies, and I agree with them perfectly…But I am against it.
“Personally against the call for the ban on mining generally. You can’t ban mining. Why must you ban mining,” he stated.
