Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has rejected calls for a complete ban on small-scale mining operations, calling such proposals misdirected. While condemning illegal mining’s environmental destruction, Duker emphasized that responsible mining should be promoted rather than outlawing small-scale mining altogether.

His comments come in response to appeals from groups, including the Ghana Medical Association, urging President Akufo-Addo to ban small-scale mining to curb environmental damage. Duker, speaking at the Meretweso Community Mining Scheme commissioning, argued that the focus should be on clamping down on illegal miners rather than banning the entire industry.

The government plans to deploy river guards to protect water bodies from illegal mining.