Wayoe Ghanamannti Warns Against Licensing Unlicensed Miners: “That Would Be Disastrous

Former Convention People’s Party (CPP) Vice-Presidential Candidate Wayoe Ghanamannti has cautioned that any move by Sammy Gyamfi to include individuals who have not been licensed to mine in Ghana’s mining framework would be disastrous.

Ghanamannti’s warning comes amid discussions about the direction of mining in Ghana and the individuals who should be permitted to participate in the sector. His comments suggest concern that allowing unlicensed persons to operate in mining could undermine efforts to regulate the industry and protect the environment.

The former CPP Vice-Presidential Candidate emphasised that licensing is a critical requirement for mining operations, and any attempt to bypass or dilute that requirement would have serious consequences for the country. He made it clear that including unlicensed miners would not only be harmful but could spell disaster for Ghana’s mining sector.

His remarks appear to be directed at Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who has been vocal on mining-related matters. Ghanamannti’s statement suggests that he believes Gyamfi may be considering a position that would accommodate unlicensed miners, and he is urging against such a move.

Mining in Ghana has been a subject of intense national debate, particularly concerning illegal mining activities and their impact on the environment, water bodies, and communities. Successive governments have grappled with how best to regulate the sector and curb illegal mining while supporting legitimate operators.

Ghanamannti’s intervention adds to the ongoing conversation about the future of mining in Ghana and the measures needed to ensure that the sector operates within the law. His warning serves as a reminder that licensing requirements exist for good reason and should not be compromised.

The former CPP Vice-Presidential Candidate’s statement is likely to resonate with stakeholders who believe that strict regulation is essential to the sustainability of Ghana’s mining industry. His message is clear: including unlicensed miners would be a dangerous path to take.