NPP Outlines Strategic Support for Small-Scale Mining with New Minerals Development Bank Initiative
In a significant post-manifesto engagement with political parties held on September 24, 2024, Ing. Gomashie Wisdom, Special Assistant to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Jinapor, articulated the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) commitment to the small-scale mining sector as it gears up for the 2024 elections.
Speaking at the event organized by the United Kingdom-Ghana Gold Programme (UKGGP), Mr Wisdom outlined key initiatives that a future Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia presidency would pursue to enhance the livelihoods of small-scale miners.
Central to these proposals is the establishment of a minerals development bank, designed to provide essential financial resources to small-scale mining operations. Mr Wisdom emphasized the importance of facilitating partnerships with the Chamber of Mines to unlock the potential of old mining shafts and other underutilized areas, which could be repurposed for small-scale activities.
“This approach will ensure that previously neglected resources contribute to the national economy,” he stated.
In addition, he highlighted plans to develop mineral processing units in strategic mining districts, aimed at improving the recovery rates of miners and maximizing the value of their ore. “Such facilities will enable miners to achieve better economic outcomes while simultaneously allowing the government to collect fair tax revenues and maintain rigorous environmental controls,” he noted.
Moreover, the NPP plans to leverage the Minerals Income Investment Fund to implement financial solutions that will equip small-scale miners with the necessary tools and resources to thrive. Mr Wisdom also noted a pension scheme for small-scale miners, akin to those available for cocoa farmers, which would allow miners to secure a financial future for their families.
Reflecting on the party’s track record, he cited the establishment of several Minerals Commission offices and the enhancement of the online application system for mining licenses as evidence of the NPP’s commitment to improving the sector. He expressed confidence that, if given the opportunity, Dr. Bawumia would build on these accomplishments.
The NPP’s focus on combating illegal mining practices was also underscored, with Mr Wisdom referencing initiatives such as Operation Vanguard and the recent banning of excavators.
He however, urged political unity against environmental degradation, warning that undermining government efforts to protect water bodies could have dire consequences for the industry.
As the NPP solidifies its agenda ahead of the elections, the emphasis on small-scale mining reflects a broader strategy aimed at fostering sustainable development while addressing the complex challenges faced by the sector.
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.
