The Association of Small-Scale Miners says it does not support the Ghana Medical Association's call for a ban on their activities.

According to the group's General Secretary, Godwin Amarh small-scale mining operations are conducted within fenced concessions, distinguishing them from illegal mining, which occurs in water bodies.  

Mr Amarh emphasised the need for a clear understanding of small-scale mining before labeling it as illegal.

• Read also: Impose ban on small-scale mining in Ghana – Health workers to Akufo-Addo

This comes as health professionals across the country urge President Akufo-Addo to impose an immediate ban on all forms of small-scale mining due to concerns about the severe health impacts.

They have highlighted an increase in respiratory and waterborne diseases in mining communities, particularly those affected by illegal mining, known as 'galamsey.'

Speaking on JoyNews AM Show, Mr Amarh said, “In small-scale mining, we do not work on river bodies. Anyone you see on a river body is not a small-scale miner. Any person you see by the roadside working close to a river is not a small-scale miner. These are illegal miners.”

He stated that some miners operate as legitimate entrepreneurs, adhering to legal mining regulations.

Mr Amarh said that, since only a small number of individuals are involved in illegal activities, the association does not support a total ban on the entire sector.

Additionally, he noted that the association has worked to improve the Bei River, reducing turbidity levels from around 2000 to approximately 50 within one to two weeks.

Mr Amarh acknowledged that, like in any profession, some small-scale miners may engage in illegal activities.

“There are people who, in one way or another, fall victim to the defects of their industry, so I would not claim that small-scale miners are a hundred percent adhering to everything.

“We cannot say we have everyone doing everything hundred percent. The same way we have journalists, doctors—they work and there are mistakes; issues also happen. So, I am not holding brief for any small mining that the sector does not have any challenge in terms of environmental issues by one or two people.”