The community mining scheme introduced by the government as part of efforts to regularise small-scale mining and discourage its illegal version, galamsey, has now been taken over by political aparachiks of the Akufo-Addo government, former President John Mahama has said.

Speaking at the 3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-Scale Mining at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani, Mr Mahama said unlike the current situation, his government, should he win the next election, will proscribe his appointees from all forms of mining.

He said he will also design a different strategy in tackling galamsey.

"It will differ in all forms from the existing community mining scheme, which has, undeniably, become a conduit for enriching party chairmen, DCEs and other politically connected individuals".

“Indeed, in my government, if you are a minister, a DCE or an official and you undertake mining activity, I will ask you to resign and go and do the mining. You either choose to be a public official or choose to be a businessperson running a mine," Mr Mahama indicated.