George Mireku Duker, MP, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and coordinator for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign in mining areas has officially launched the Miners4Bawumia group, tasking the members to rise up and become leading voices in the fight against illegal mining in the country.

At the launch held in Akwatia of the Eastern Region on Friday, September 20, 2024, hundreds of miners from the various mining communities affirmed their commitment to responsible mining. They expressed their absolute confidence in Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to protect their jobs.

Allaying the fears of the miners, Mireku Duker stated that Dr. Bawumia appreciates the enormous contribution of the mining sector to the Ghanaian economy and will not pursue policies that will cripple the sector.

Instead, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as stated by Duker the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources is also responsible for Mines will implement policies and measures that will improve the sector and sanitize the illegal mining industry. He stated the Mineral Development Bank promised by Dr Bawumia to empower Ghanaians to establish mining companies that will engage in responsible mining.

Reacting to recent calls for a ban on small-scale mining, the Deputy Minister explained that the country's laws already proscribe illegal mining and that all that is needed to do is enforcement of the laws.

Emphasizing his commitment and consistency in the protection of the interest of responsible small-scale miners, he charged the miners to take part in the government's fight against illegal mining and help improve the sector.

Ernest Yaw Kumi, the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary candidate for Akwatia outlined the socioeconomic impact of small-scale mining in the area, noting that over 5 million Ghanaians enjoy benefit from the sector.

While advocating against illegal mining, Ernest Kumi reiterated the stance of the NPP and government against dropping the hammer on the sector, noting that several Ghanaians will suffer severe consequences if the government heeds calls for a total ban on the sector.

Jeff Konadu, the Eastern Regional chairman of the NPP urged the miners not to fall for what he contends to be empty promises of the NDC. He paid special tributes to Duker for his efforts in advancing the interest of small-scale miners in Parliament and government.

He challenged the presidential candidate of the NDC to come out and declare his position on the raging matter. Ama Sey, the former MP for the area rallied the miners for the Bawumia 2024 campaign, assuring them of protection of their jobs should Bawumia win the elections.

The group's leadership expressed gratitude to Hon. Duker for the assurance and promised to campaign and support the bid of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to become president of the country.