The Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party(NPP) Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has announced a plan to establish a Minerals Development Bank aimed at supporting small scale miners.
He explained that this bank would provide financing options to help miners acquire the necessary equipment for safe and responsible mining, much like the Agricultural Development Bank serves farmers.
Speaking at a stakeholders engagement in Ntobroso in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region on Monday, November 4, Dr. Bawumia shared his vision for small-scale mining. He outlined plans for the Geological Survey Authority to provide miners with mapped locations of gold deposits, reducing the need for trial-and-error exploration.
He proposed setting up a community mining scheme and licensing system that would formally permit miners to operate without fear of restriction.
He stated that he would introduce measures to ensure chiefs have a share in all mining concessions within their jurisdictions.
This, he believes, will encourage chiefs to actively monitor mining activities and protect these resources within their communities.