Galamsey: NDC Plans to Introduce Medium-Scale Mining Category to Strengthen Regulatory Framework on Small-Scale Mining
Dr. Anthony Aubynn, the former CEO of the Minerals Commission and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) spokesperson on mining, has unveiled ambitious plans to recategorize Ghana’s mining sector by introducing a medium-scale mining category. This initiative, if realized, aims to consolidate small-scale mining operations into more manageable entities, thereby strengthening governance and regulatory frameworks.
Speaking at a Post-Manifesto Engagement with Political Parties organized by the United Kingdom-Ghana Gold Programme (UKGGP), Dr. Aubynn emphasized the necessity for a nuanced approach to mining classifications in Ghana.
“Mining is the only economic activity that has only small and large scale. We don’t have any medium scale. The NDC will introduce a medium scale to ensure better control and oversight,” he stated. This proposed framework seeks to address the operational challenges currently faced by small-scale miners and enhance the overall efficiency of the sector.
In outlining the specifics of the medium-scale mining category, Dr. Aubynn indicated that it would require firms to employ qualified professionals, including geologists and mining engineers, as a prerequisite for licensing.
“Each of these categories will have special regulations, including the necessity of employing trained personnel to manage operations,” he explained, pointing to the importance of professional oversight in improving operational standards.
Moreover, the former CEO expressed the party’s commitment to combat illegal mining, particularly in sensitive ecological areas. Dr. Aubynn also declared a “zero tolerance” policy towards mining in water bodies, promising that a future NDC administration would enforce military patrols to prevent such activities.
He further criticized recent legislative changes that allow increased exploration in forest reserves, suggesting that these measures threaten Ghana’s environmental integrity.
The NDC’s proposals come in response to ongoing challenges within the mining sector, which has been marred by illegal activities and regulatory loopholes. By redefining the mining classification system, the NDC aims to create a more sustainable framework that not only promotes economic growth but also protects the country’s natural resources.
Broader Context of the Engagement
The objectives of the Post-Manifesto Engagement with Political Parties organized by the United Kingdom-Ghana Gold Programme (UKGGP) were to obtain feedback from political parties on commitments they have made in relation to natural resource and environmental governance, especially for the UKGGP, the artisanal small-scale mining (ASGM) reform proposals from the previous engagement at Royal Senchi.
It was also to discuss with political parties, operational issues related to the commitments they have made for better political communication and implementation in government.
Additionally, it was also to discuss how the UKGGP can support the implementation of the ASGM-related commitments in the manifestoes and further create awareness of the social dimensions of illegal and unregulated mining and their threat to national and sub-regional security.
