Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission Addae Antwi Boasiako says the absence of National Executives of Small Scale Miners Association has created a “huge structural gap” in the sector with a cascading effect on the economy.

Addressing the newly elected executives on Thursday he said leaders should get to task by closing ranks, brainstorming and profess solutions to help improve on the sector.

He urged them to be courageous and put forward policy proposals they believe would contribute to fixing the many challenges plaguing the mining sector.

“When the term of the old executive expired and there was no immediate elections to replace them, there was a huge gap, because there was lack of structure within the last year and a half.

“It's a relief to us that you've started paying tax and our checks show that together with the Chamber of Gold Exporters, you've paid taxes up to the tune of about ¢94 million this year," he stated.

Mr Boasiako was optimistic that with a reinstated leadership, small scale miners would be more organised, regulated, and an association with huge prospects.

He also applauded the association for taking the initial initiative of setting up a taskforce to fight illegal mining on the country's rivers and other water sources even before the state took the decisive step of placing a wholesale moratorium on their trade.

“Your taskforce was very effective and one of the things we've discussed is to join forces so you can rise to the level of the Chamber of mines,” he said.

As a goodwill gesture, Mr Boasiako told the miners that going forward, the Commission will adopt a "down-up approach" which will give room for miners to raise issues that will feature in decision making that will directly impact on operations within the small scale mining sector.