The Akufo-Addo government, in order to protect the environment from further destruction by mining, has introduced a Community Mining concept, in which former illegal small scale miners would receive proper training.

So far, about 4,500 miners, who still have the interest to continue with the mining venture, were registered, trained, given concessions to jointly work on, and properly tracked to ensure they mine responsibly.

Others who wanted to divert from mining were trained in oil palm farming, tailoring and dress making, welding and metal fabrications, plumbing and carpentry.

Minister for Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah disclosed this at a press briefing yesterday in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region.

He said the Community Mining concept was part of a number of support programmes designed by the government and targeted at deepening support for former illegal small-scale gold miners.

The programmes being carried out currently to ensure that former illegal miners receive skills to better their lives are Alternative Livelihood Programme and Community Mining Initiatives.

The Information Minister said these programmes are to provide support for former illegal small scale miners, who were affected by the government’s ban on small scale mining in 2017, and to ensure that the participants are not left off the hook.

By this, the miners are trained to also benefit from the country’s resources while performing these duties without risking their lives or causing destruction to the environment.

“For those who want to remain in mining but do it legally, government has introduced the Community Mining concept through which former illegal small scale miners are properly registered, trained, given concessions to jointly work on, and properly tracked to ensure they mine responsibly. About 4,500 miners have so far been trained, while some have already been accredited,” he said.

Mr Nkrumah said the government has further stated that the Alternative Livelihood Programme seeks to train those who are no longer interested in mining to work in other economic sectors.

The Alternative Livelihood Programme covers skills such oil palm farming, others are also being trained by Local Government Ministry in the areas of tailoring and dress making, welding and metal fabrications, plumbing and carpentry.

“The expectation of government is that these interventions will ensure that former miners remain economically engaged, even as the battle against illegal small scale mining remains in gear,” Mr. Nkrumah added.