Residents of Amenfi East Wassa Akropong Municipal Assembly took to the streets yesterday to express their discontent with Deputy Lands and Natural Resources Minister George Mireku Duker’s recent declaration that there will be no ban on small-scale mining ¹. The demonstration, which was peaceful, saw protesters holding placards and chanting slogans, highlighting their concerns about the environmental and social impacts of small-scale mining.
Mireku Duker’s stance has been consistent, emphasizing the sector’s contribution to Ghana’s economic growth and employment ¹. However, the protesters argue that the benefits of small-scale mining do not outweigh the devastating effects on their communities.
The Wassa Amenfi East Municipal Assembly, which was elevated to municipal status in 2018 ², has been at the center of mining activities in the region. The assembly has been working to promote sustainable development and improve the lives of its residents [1).
The protest adds to the growing debate about the future of small-scale mining in Ghana. As the government weighs the economic benefits against environmental and social concerns, stakeholders must consider the long-term implications of their decisions.
In related news, Mireku Duker has been advocating for responsible mining practices, directing companies to adhere to relevant regulations and engage in developmental projects that benefit host communities ³.