Small-scale miners in the Eastern Region are urging the government to provide them with advanced technology to help mitigate river pollution caused by gold mining activities.
According to the miners, the widely used trommel gold washing method makes it nearly impossible to prevent water pollution, creating a major environmental challenge. They argue that alternative methods are expensive and require government intervention to make them accessible.
“Even if mining stops today, the rivers will eventually clear. The main problem is pollution caused by trommel washing because we cannot control or store the large amounts of water used in the process. If the government, along with the Environmental Protection Agency or the Minerals Commission, can introduce a more sustainable technology for alluvial mining, that would be ideal. Otherwise, sending task forces to chase us around won’t solve the problem,” a small-scale miner stated.
The miners voiced their concerns during a stakeholder engagement meeting with Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, and mining regulatory bodies. Large-scale mining companies had also been engaged ahead of the meeting.
The discussions come as the Regional Security Council prepares to launch a major crackdown on illegal mining activities, spearheaded by a newly established task force.
Despite the miners’ concerns, Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey issued a firm warning that all mining companies, even those with valid licenses, will be classified as engaging in illegal mining if they pollute rivers or fail to reclaim mined lands. Strict enforcement measures will be applied against such companies.
“We have formed a task force in the region to take action. Even companies with concessions and valid mining documents that violate regulations, pollute water bodies, or fail to reclaim mined lands will be treated as illegal miners,” she stated.
The Minister also emphasized that President John Mahama and the ruling NDC government fully support efforts to protect Ghana’s rivers and forest reserves. She reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating environmental degradation caused by mining activities.
“President Mahama has made it clear that by June, all river bodies must be clean, and excavators must be removed from forests. Those without proper documentation must ensure they acquire the appropriate licenses,” she added.
Meanwhile, some miners have suggested that the Small-Scale Miners Taskforce be actively involved in the crackdown to ensure a fair and collaborative enforcement approach.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
