The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mines, Hon. George Mireku Duker has commended the chiefs, elders and residents of Asunafo in the Atiwa West District of the Eastern Region for the commitment to the protection of the environment, more specifically the Atiwa Forest.
Hon. George Mireku Duker noted that government is impressed with the initiatives taken by communities to safeguard the environment.
Delivering a speech during the inauguration of the Asunafo Community Mining Scheme, Hon. Mireku Duker extolled the role of traditional authorities in the setting up of the scheme.
He appealed to them to continue playing their role as custodians of culture and resources and help the government in its bid to maximize revenue in the mining sector and encourage Ghanaian participation in the mining sector.
He reminded the gathering that contrary to assertions elsewhere, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo holds highly the role of small scale mining in the growth of the country.
He said that the government has set out to raise local giants in the mining sector and view the small-scale mining sector as the perfect platform to achieve the set objective.
He indicated that the scheme will operate on an operational manual which dictates the health and safety conditions that must be adhered to at all times.
“President Akufo-Addo is not against mining but all for responsible mining. You’ve done well to protect the forest and we urge you to continue.
“We’ve been briefed that the mining has the blessing of the chiefs and we believe you’ll adhere to the rules.
“We want to follow all the health and safety measures. We have the backing of the law to close down the concession in case of such things. We’ve developed an operation manual for the concession.
“We’ve sat down with the chiefs and all stakeholders and the Asunafo Community Mining is the only licensed scheme here
“South Africa have used gold to develop their cities and it’s a vision of the president that we create Ghanaian champions in the industry. It’s our target within the next five years only Ghanaians will participate in community mining.
He added that there will be constant supervision by geologist and personnel from the Minerals Commission.
He said there will be capacity building programs to equip the members of the District Mining Committees with the Knowledge and resources to discharge their mandate.
On his part, the Zambian Minister of Mines and Mineral Development Hon Paul Kabuswe who is in the country to familiarize himself with Ghana’s mining regime talked up the community scheme as a great module worthy of emulation by his country.
He was full of praise for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for the various interventions employed to restructure Ghana’s mining sector.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Acheampong recognized the works of government in improving the lives of Ghanaians.
He welcome the Community Mining Scheme as a laudable initiative that will create jobs and help people in the area.
