15 Mining Committees Inaugurated In Northern Regions

As parts of the measures by government to ensure sustainable and responsible mining at mining communities in the country, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has inaugurated 15 District Small-Scale Mining Committees in four regions in the north, namely; Northern, Savanna, Upper East and Upper West.

All fifteen Small-Scale District Mining Committees, which include those of Bolgatanga, Talensi, Nabdam, Bongo, KasenaNankani West, Bawku West, Mamprugu-Moagduri, East Mamprusi, West Mamprusi, Nadowli-Kaleo, Jirapa, Wa Municipal, Wa East, Sissala East and Bole Municipal and District Assemblies, shall ensure that, government policies towards an effective regularization of Small-Scale and Community Mining across the country succeeds at their various jurisdictions.

It was inaugurated at the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC),Bolgatanga, last Thursday, July 21, 2022 by Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, on behalf of the sector minister.

Addressing the members, the Deputy Minister urged the committees to strictly ensure that miners adhere to safety practices within the sector, as Government is very committed to build local champions in the mining industry through sustainable and responsible mining.

He also tasked the committees to ensure that foreigners do not partake in small-scale mining activities in any form or means, as established by Regulation 83 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, Act 703.

Admonishing the committees, MrMirekuDuker tasked them to use this opportunity to create jobs for the teeming youth in their respective Districts through the Flagship Community Mining Scheme Programme, which is a surest alternative livelihood support to help curb the illegalities in the small-scale mining sector.

On his part, the Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, indicated that having accepted the responsibility as members of the committee, the onus lies heavily on them to help regularize the small-scale mining sector.

Meanwhile, AnimeyawSomo Lucky Basintale, speaking on behalf of the six-member fifteen committees, indicated their commitment to deliver on their mandate and help Government achieve its vision of responsible and sustainable mining in the small-scale sector.

The Minister was accompanied on the trip by Deputy CEO of Minerals Commission, Samuel Tika, the Director of Small-Scale Mining at the Minerals Commission, Mr. Nelson Ahedor and Project Coordinator, Ghana Landscape Restoration Project & Small-Scale Mining, Dr. John Krugu as well as some other officials from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

Source: Anchorghana