Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, has outlined what he says is a comprehensive vision for the mining sector, during a speech he delivered in Accra on Wednesday, February 7.

Addressing the nation at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Dr. Bawumia emphasised his commitment to effectively regulating the industry, supporting small-scale miners, and ensuring environmental protection.

Highlighting the significant number of Ghanaians involved in small-scale mining, estimated at around one million individuals, Dr. Bawumia stressed the importance of transitioning these miners towards responsible mining practices.

He emphasised that this approach would not only lead to the creation of more wealth but also contribute to environmental conservation efforts.

“About one million people are engaged in small-scale mining. Our goal would be to help grow small-scale mining companies into large-scale companies with capacity building and assisting them to access financing to acquire equipment. We can create many millionaires in the small-scale mining industry if we support them,” Dr Bawumia said.

“My government will support the Minerals Commission and key stakeholders to formalize the Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector to ensure that the activities of the entire value chain are sustainably and responsibly done so that most of the gold produced by this sector can be sold to the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and be eligible to be part of the gold reserves of the central bank.”

Dr. Bawumia further announced that, during his administration, every Ghanaian engaged in small-scale mining will be required to register under the Ghana Small Scale Miners Association using their Ghana Card.

“We will, in collaboration with the large mining companies, convert abandoned shafts into community mining schemes and open more new community mining schemes.”