President Akufo-Addo has reiterated that his government is not against small-scale mining activities.

He said, rather his government is against the operations of illegal miners whose activities threaten lives and the environment.

Speaking at the George Grant University of Mines and Technology in Tarkwa, during the launch of the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme, the President noted that small-scale mining was an integral part of the gold industry thus cannot be discouraged.

“Let me reiterate at the outset a clear message; the Akufo-Addo government is not against small-scale mining. On the contrary, government is in full support of responsible small-scale mining activities as they provide an avenue for Ghanaians to participate in the mining industry and contribute substantially to our gold exports.

“Available data shows that the small-scale mining industry accounts for some 40% of our gold exports.  It has played a critical role in making Ghana the leading producer of gold in Africa. Small scale mining should therefore be encouraged, and we’ll do all that is necessary to promote it for our collective benefit,” he said, October 25.

He was, however, quick to warn those in illegal mining to desist from their activities.

According to him, it behoves Ghanaians to protect and preserve the natural environment for future generations to also benefit from it.

He said, “What we cannot do and will not allow to happen is to permit mining activities to threaten the environment that sustains our lives and the lives of livelihoods of generations unborn.

“We owe a sacred duty to preserve the environment even as we reap the benefits of our natural resources.”

“Small scale mining can and must only be done responsibly,” he stressed.