Sulemanu Koney, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has urged the government and stakeholders to provide small-scale miners with the necessary training and resources to ensure they comply with regulations.
He pointed out that the lack of technical expertise is a major factor behind illegal mining activities.
Speaking on PM Express Business Edition, Mr. Koney stressed the need to differentiate between the challenges faced by small-scale and large-scale miners.
“Let’s focus on small-scale mining, provide effective regulation, and offer technical support where needed,” he said.
He reiterated that, “We need to know who is overseeing small-scale mining operations, and we need technical experts approved by the Minerals Commission to help with regulation.”
Mr. Koney believes that with proper action from the government and stakeholders, the issues in the sector can be resolved. “If we are serious as a country, we can manage this. The solutions are within reach,” he noted.
He further emphasized the need for on-the-ground enforcement to ensure compliance. “We need to be present and make sure right is right, and wrong is wrong.”
Mr. Koney warned that if stricter measures are not implemented, international investors may lose confidence in Ghana as a reliable mining destination.
