Ban mining for three years to reclaim lands – Ade Coker suggests

Ade Coker, the former Greater Accra Chairman of the NDC, wants a mining ban in Ghana for three years.

He believes this ban will help reclaim damaged lands and restore water bodies.

Coker spoke on Channel 1 Television in Accra. He noted that Ghana earns very little from gold trade.

He emphasized the need to improve the country’s water bodies.

“Galamsey should be banned; small-scale mining should be suspended,” he said.

He suggested that large companies pause operations for three to four years. This would allow time to reclaim land.

Coker questioned how much Ghana truly benefits from gold exports. He mentioned that $2 billion worth of gold was sent to Dubai, with much being smuggled.

“Ghana gained just peanuts from it,” he stated.

He also urged the government to take action regarding excavators in the country.

“We need an inventory of all excavators,” he said.

Coker suggested identifying which are used for road construction and which for mining. Then, owners should bring them to designated locations.