The government has given the green light for the commencement of regulated, responsible and sustainable community mining, aimed at helping to get rid of illegal mining in the Tarkwa area of the Western Region.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo commissioned it on Monday morning at Tarkwa.
The programme, which is being rolled out in all mining areas is expected to enable willing persons to mine in a responsible manner.
Dubbed, “Alternative Employment, Livelihood and Empowerment Programme,” President Akufo-Addo restated the government’s commitment to encourage proper small scale mining in Ghana as a way to eliminate illegal mining.
Over 200,000 illegal miners are expected to be engaged in the programme.
They are to be trained at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa and receive licenses to start mining.
Launching the programme, President Akufo-Addo said the government is not against small scale mining but against illegal mining.
The miners would be allocated the space and also be provided with technical assistance through the services of geologists, mining engineers and other experts that would ensure that the mining is carried out in a responsible manner to ensure the safety of the miners, the environment and communities.
more to follow…
Source: graphic.com.gh
