Management and employees of Tarkwa Community Mining have appealed to the government to ignore current demands for a complete ban on mining operations, including community mining initiatives. They argue that their activities take place underground, causing minimal disruption to surface water bodies and the environment.
They warned that a ban would severely impact the livelihoods of many in the Tarkwa area and harm the broader economy.
These concerns were expressed during a tour organized by Miners for Bawumia (M4B) at the Tarkwa Community Mining site in the Western Region on Wednesday. This visit comes in response to demands from various political and civil society groups advocating for a total ban on mining activities nationwide. Kwadwo Sarfo, the Public Relations Manager for Tarkwa Community Mining, stressed that their operations are conducted in underground shafts, asserting, “We don’t pollute river bodies or harm the environment.” He also highlighted their safety policy, which emphasizes the importance of safety and well-being.
Mr. Sarfo further stated that a blanket ban on mining would devastate the local economy and eliminate jobs in mining communities like Tarkwa, jeopardizing residents' livelihoods. During a meeting with the Akoon Group, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, asserted that no political organization or group has the authority to unilaterally impose a ban on mining in Ghana.
This government will not ban mining today or tomorrow. Galamsey is already illegal under current regulations, so what exactly are they advocating for? A ban would impact responsible mining. Why demand a ban on responsible mining in our country?
Mr. Duker questioned.
He reassured the group that the government will not permit any individuals or organizations to undermine its efforts to cultivate a sustainable mining economy in Ghana. He argued that mining should not solely benefit foreign investors and large capital markets, emphasizing the need to empower local Ghanaian interests to capitalize on the country’s mineral resources for job creation, wealth generation, and community development.
He asked the group, “Do you mine in water bodies or forest reserves?” stressing the responsible nature of their operations. Mr. Duker cautioned that a ban on community mining would stifle the local economy, reduce incomes, and ultimately threaten the stability and security of families in mining communities like Tarkwa. He stated that such action would undermine the government’s community mining initiative.
He urged miners to support the government's efforts in promoting community mining and to avoid practices that lead to environmental degradation, such as river pollution or destruction of forest reserves.
Mr. Duker also encouraged the group to pray for the success of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign, which aims to sustain and promote the mining industry in Ghana.
Credit:MyJoyOnline.
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