By Jeremiah Nutsugah
Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, the flagbearer of the Movement for Change party, has called for a pragmatic approach to addressing Galamsey illegal mining in Ghana.
In an exclusive interview on GTV’s Breakfast show on June 25, 2024, Kyerematen suggested that a progressive approach is needed, considering the widespread presence of small-scale mining in various communities.
“So, they have community mining. Community mining, they provide licenses for communities to be able to undertake small-scale mining. My proposal is that, whether you like it or not, these young guys are already on the ground”.
He proposed a solution where the government brings together the young people involved in Galamsey and helps them form companies, not cooperatives, to undertake small-scale mining.
The government would provide machinery and equipment on a work-and-pay basis, allowing the companies to repay loans through their productivity.
Kyerematen emphasized that licensing these companies through the Minerals Commission is essential to legitimize their operations and ensure they adhere to regulations.
He stressed that licensing alone is insufficient, and management support and machinery/equipment provision are crucial to ensure these companies operate responsibly.
This approach, he believes, will transform the illegal mining sector into a legal and sustainable industry.
