The Association of Small-Scale Miners has voiced its opposition to the Ghana Medical Association's proposal for a ban on their operations.

Godwin Amarh, the group's General Secretary, argued that small-scale mining is distinct from illegal mining activities, particularly those that pollute water bodies.

He stressed the importance of differentiating between the two before labeling all small-scale mining as illegal.Health professionals have recently called on President Akufo-Addo to enforce a ban on small-scale mining due to rising health issues, including respiratory and waterborne diseases in communities affected by illegal mining, or 'galamsey.'Amarh clarified that small-scale mining typically occurs within legally designated areas and not near rivers.

He pointed out that individuals operating in or near water bodies are likely engaged in illegal activities rather than legitimate small-scale mining.“In small-scale mining, we do not work on river bodies. Anyone you see on a river body is not a small-scale miner. Any person you see by the roadside working close to a river is not a small-scale miner. These are illegal miners.”The Association has reportedly made efforts to mitigate environmental damage, such as significantly reducing water turbidity in the Bei River from around 2000 NTU to approximately 50 NTU within weeks.

While acknowledging that some small-scale miners might not fully comply with regulations, Amarh emphasized that the sector as a whole should not be penalized for the actions of a few.

He compared this to other professions, where occasional lapses are inevitable, suggesting that a blanket ban would unfairly impact responsible miners.“There are people who, in one way or another, fall victim to the defects of their industry, so I would not claim that small-scale miners are a hundred percent adhering to everything.

“We cannot say we have everyone doing everything hundred percent. The same way we have journalists, doctors—they work and there are mistakes; issues also happen. So, I am not holding brief for any small mining that the sector does not have any challenge in terms of environmental issues by one or two people.”