The Ghana Chamber of Mines CEO, Sulemanu Koney, has stressed the importance of strictly regulating the small-scale mining sector to ensure its sustainability and success.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition on Thursday, he highlighted the need for effective regulation and monitoring to create a thriving environment for small-scale miners while protecting the nation’s natural resources.

“Mining is good, but look at the laws of this land. Our Constitution and the Minerals and Mining Act (703) require that you get a license before you mine,” Mr Koney stressed.

He called for more stringent adherence to the legal frameworks governing the sector.

Koney reiterated that while small-scale mining plays a crucial role in the economy, it must be regulated to curb illegal activities.

He urged the government to make small-scale mining more attractive and accessible to Ghanaians who wish to venture into the industry.

“We are all for small-scale mining and supporting it, but we should make small-scale mining attractive. Support them, help them in the best way we can as a country,” he stated.

To enhance regulation, Koney advocated for training and certification programs for small-scale miners in collaboration with key institutions.

He mentioned that the Ghana Chamber of Mines is already working with the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) to ensure that professionals in health, safety, and environmental management receive the necessary training to improve small-scale mining practices.

“We are working with the University of Mines and Technology to ensure that mining engineers and others in the health and safety space are given the requisite training, adapted for small-scale mining,” Koney said.

He further called for collaboration between the Minerals Commission and private sector stakeholders, emphasizing the need for co-regulation to monitor and regulate activities effectively.

“There’s also space for private sector regulation, co-regulation, so to speak,” he added.