Galamsey has to be dealt with in a pragmatic way – Alan Kyerematen

Flagbearer of the Movement for Change party, Alan Kyerematen, has called for a pragmatic approach to addressing illegal mining in Ghana. In an exclusive interview on GTV's Breakfast show on June 25, 2024, Alan Kyerematen suggested that a progressive approach is needed, considering the widespread presence of small-scale mining in various communities. "So, they have community mining. Community mining, they provide licenses for communities to be able to undertake small-scale mining. My proposal is that, whether you like it or not, these young guys are already on the ground." He proposed a solution where the government brings together the young people involved in galamsey and helps them form companies, not cooperatives, to undertake small-scale mining. The government would provide machinery and equipment on a work-and-pay basis, allowing the companies to repay loans through their productivity. Kyerematen emphasized that licensing these companies through the Minerals Commission is essential to legitimize thei r operations and ensure they adhere to regulations. He stressed that licensing alone is insufficient, and management support and machinery/equipment provision are crucial to ensure these companies operate responsibly. This approach, he believes, will transform the illegal mining sector into a legal and sustainable industry. Source: Ghana Web