Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has unveiled his strategy for addressing illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey,’ emphasizing a preventive approach aimed at sanitizing the small-scale mining sector.

Speaking at Kpone Katamanso on September 17, 2024, Dr. Bawumia detailed his plan to empower the Geological Survey Authority to prospect for minerals and create a resource pool of equipment to support sustainable mining practices.

Dr. Bawumia highlighted the importance of proactive measures to ensure responsible and sustainable mining, stating that current practices are causing significant environmental destruction.

He proposed setting up community mining schemes based on geological data to direct licensed small-scale miners to areas with confirmed gold reserves.

This approach, according to him, aims to regulate mining activities and promote environmentally friendly practices, such as using gold catcher machines that avoid harmful substances like mercury.

He emphasized that if miners are not properly regulated, they may resort to illegal activities, often operating at night or in sensitive areas like water bodies.

“We need to enforce existing laws to stop this,” he warned.

In addition to addressing illegal mining, Dr. Bawumia expressed his commitment to supporting the poor and vulnerable in Ghanaian society.

He cited initiatives such as skill training for the Kayeyei community, aiming to empower individuals and provide them with viable alternatives to illegal mining.