Dr. Anthony Aubynn, Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Election Committee on Mining, has expressed his gratitude to small-scale miners for their strong support during the 2024 elections in mining constituencies.
He highlighted their pivotal role in the party’s success in these areas, which are key to Ghana’s mining economy.
Speaking to journalists in Kumasi following the election of President-elect John Dramani Mahama, Dr. Aubynn reiterated the NDC’s commitment to reforming the mining sector, with a particular focus on small-scale mining.
He acknowledged the various challenges faced by miners, such as difficulties in acquiring licenses, the rise of illegal mining, and the environmental harm caused by unregulated activities.
Dr. Aubynn emphasized that an NDC government would address these issues by establishing district offices of the Minerals Commission in mining communities.
These offices would streamline the licensing process, eliminating the need for miners to travel to Accra—a costly and time-consuming endeavor that often leads them to engage in illegal mining out of frustration. The district offices would also improve the enforcement of mining regulations.
Dr. Aubynn also criticized the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for its handling of small-scale mining, particularly the Community Mining Scheme, which he argued has primarily benefited foreign nationals, especially Chinese miners, rather than local communities.
To rectify this, the NDC plans to introduce a Cooperative Mining Scheme designed to empower Ghanaian miners. According to Dr. Aubynn, this initiative would prioritize local interests and promote sustainable mining practices.
The NDC also intends to establish a special fund to support cooperative mining activities. This fund, he said, would operate under the guidance of mining experts to ensure adherence to international best practices while protecting the environment. He noted that these reforms would revitalize the sector and significantly contribute to economic growth in mining regions.
Dr. Aubynn urged small-scale miners to continue supporting the NDC, asserting that the current government has mismanaged the mining industry, resulting in widespread dissatisfaction among miners. He expressed confidence in the NDC’s ability to implement transformative reforms that would address the needs of mining communities.
The NDC’s mining campaign team, led by Dr. Aubynn, played a pivotal role in engaging with miners across the country. Other team members included Samuel Hajor, Michael Kojo Preprah, Adjei Baffour Acquah, and Ebenezer Ayehu, who collectively worked to address miners’ concerns and rally support for the party’s vision.
As the NDC prepares to assume office, Dr. Aubynn assured miners of the party’s commitment to fulfilling its promises and building a more equitable and prosperous mining industry.
