Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor says President Akufo-Addo’s resilience to ensure that small-scale mining is a thing of the past almost cost him his 2020 election victory.

According to the Member of Parliament for Damongo Constituency, Mr Akufo-Addo lost votes in almost all the mining communities in Ghana, “because of the measures he took and because he was unwavering and unflinching to his commitment."

'He could have said where this is going, it might cost me my Presidency, let me back-off or let me do it differently and get votes but he did not. In fact, he put his Presidency on the line and it cost him votes. He lost in a place like Upper Denkyira West where NPP has never lost an election since 1957," he emphasized.

His comment comes ahead of the National Consultancy Dialogue on small scale mining that is to take place on Wednesday, April 14, 2021.

The Dialogue will look at efforts and actions taken to ensure that the vision of President Akufo-Addo to build a viable, sustainable and environmentally prudent mining industry in Ghana is achieved.

Making reference to the Upper Denkyira West vote pattern, the legislator advised against the politicisation of small-scale mining.

He explained that the propaganda does not augur well for any credible attempt in dealing with the menace and urged all stakeholders and politicians to join forces.

"Issues to do with small-scale mining, illegal scale mining must be above partisan politics. We need that broad base of bi-partisan national support for a national goal."