According to the small-scale miners, the government’s decision to offer incentives for reporting gold smugglers is unfair and counterproductive. They argue that the focus should be on addressing the root causes of smuggling rather than penalizing the already struggling miners. Apexnewsgh.com report
One of the main challenges faced by small-scale miners is the lack of access to legal mining concessions. Many of them operate in unauthorized areas or have been denied permits due to bureaucratic hurdles. This pushes them into clandestine activities, including smuggling, as they try to make a living.
Additionally, the miners face difficulties in accessing formal financial services and capital for their operations. This lack of financial support limits their ability to invest in proper equipment and technology, leading to lower productivity and higher costs.
There are also concerns about the high taxes and levies imposed on small-scale miners, which further hamper their profitability. These miners argue that reducing these taxes and creating a more favorable regulatory environment would incentivize them to operate legally and contribute to the formal economy.
The small-scale miners are calling on the government to consider their plight and engage them in finding sustainable solutions. They believe that collaboration and support, rather than punitive measures, are key to addressing the challenges in the mining sector and curbing smuggling.
The government has yet to respond to the specific concerns raised by the small-scale miners. However, it is expected that further discussions and consultations will take place to find common ground and develop effective strategies to tackle gold smuggling while supporting the livelihoods of those in the small-scale mining industry.
Mr. Peprah argues that the Oil-for-Gold deal, which requires oil importers to repay their debt in gold instead of cash, has led to a decrease in the demand for locally produced gold. This, in turn, has affected the ability of small-scale miners to sell their gold and generate income.
He further asserts that this situation not only harms the miners’ livelihoods but also undermines the government’s efforts to curb gold smuggling. With low gold prices, illicit traders are able to offer higher prices, attracting miners to engage in illegal activities.
The Small-Scale Miners Association is therefore calling on the government to reconsider the implementation of the Oil-for-Gold deal and find alternative ways to stabilize petroleum product prices without negatively impacting the gold market.
It remains to be seen how the government will respond to these concerns and whether any adjustments will be made to address the issues raised by the small-scale miners.
d to these concerns and whether any adjustments will be made to address the issues raised by the small-scale miners.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana
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