Despite a determined campaign against illicit small-scale mining since taking office as President in 2017, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has acknowledged that the activity continues to be a major issue in Ghana.
On Tuesday, March 9, President Akufo-Addo told the Eighth Parliament that his call for a national dialogue on illicit small-scale mining had at least yielded results.
“Yes, so much has been accomplished in the last four years in terms of cleaning up this sector, educating miners in the best mining practices, introducing community mining, and enacting additional regulatory legislation,” he admitted.
“However, the fact is that illicit small-scale mining continues to be a significant issue.”
To regulate the business, a national dialogue will be held under the auspices of Samuel Abu Jinapor, the new Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.
President Akufo-Addo placed his presidency on the line in 2017, pledging to rid the mining industry of the disease.
“I have said in the Cabinet, and maybe this is the first time I am making this public, that I am willing to put my Presidency on the line on this issue,” he told journalists at his first press conference at Jubilee House.
“If, by God’s grace, my party encourages me to go again, and I have the health and everything I need to go again, but I don’t get it, I’ll tell myself, ‘Well, this is a decision I have to make as a human being.’ Do you do what you think will help you get along or what you think will help you get along? “I believe you do what is right and what is expected of you,” he said.
Many have blamed his battle against galamsey for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) narrow victory over the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in last year’s election.
Read Also: Ghana card to gradually replace TINs and SNNIT cards – NIA boss
SOURCE: ATLFMNEWSONLINE
