The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has rejected the growing calls for a blanket ban on small-scale mining, describing the proposals as misdirected.

His comments come in the wake of increasing demands from professional bodies and unions for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to impose a ban to address environmental degradation caused by illegal mining.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Meretweso Community Mining Scheme in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality, Duker condemned the severe environmental damage caused by illegal mining activities but argued that a blanket ban on small-scale mining would be misplaced.

“It is misdirected because I was expecting them to have condemned the statement made by former President Mahama before even calling for this action,” Mr. Duker stated.

“You can’t just, out of the blue, say put a ban. Ban on what? What are the metrics, what have you done? What analysis have you done? The statement President Mahama made was unfortunate, so why didn’t they ask him to apologise?” the deputy lands minister questioned.

He emphasised that while the government is committed to tackling illegal mining and its detrimental effects on water bodies and the environment, he is opposed to a total ban on mining activities.

“There are measures we need to take to clamp down on recalcitrants who are destroying our water bodies, and I agree with them perfectly. But I am personally against the call for the ban on mining generally. You can’t ban mining. Why must you ban mining?,” Mr. Duker stated.

In response to ongoing concerns, Duker announced that the government will soon deploy river guards to safeguard the nation's water resources, highlighting a strategy focused on promoting responsible mining practices rather than enacting a sweeping ban.