Vice President and NPP flag bearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has unveiled plans to overhaul the licensing system for small-scale mining under the next NPP administration.
During a durbar in the Wassa East district, he emphasised the significant contribution of small-scale mining to Ghana’s economy, noting that it accounted for 43% of the country’s gold production in 2018 and 36% in 2019.
“Small-scale mining, when conducted responsibly, is vital to our economic development. It currently represents 50% of Ghana’s gold exports, underscoring its importance. If elected, I will prioritise reforms that promote sustainability and accountability.
This includes streamlining the licensing process by involving traditional authorities and local assemblies, with final approval at the Minerals Commission. We will also collaborate with the Geological Survey Authority to identify gold-rich areas while minimising environmental harm.”
Bawumia further explain that these reforms are to unlock the sector’s capacity to create jobs for up to one million people.
