Engage Oti Region Chiefs, Communities

The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mining, George Mireku Duker, yesterday, December 14, paid a working visit to the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC).

The visit by the deputy minister was to engage the management and staff of the iron refinery company on their accomplishments this year and how to improve on it next year.

Addressing the staff and management, Mr. Duker disclosed that GIISDEC has a strategic role to play in the actualisation of the government’s objective of making Ghana a hub for the refinery of mineral resources on the continent.

He explained that his visit was anchored on two important things. The first, he said, is the deepening of engagement with communities in the Oti Region for the economic benefits of the communities, region and country as a whole which derived from the discovery of iron ore in that part of the country.

Following the discovery of iron ore in certain parts of the Oti Region, some chiefs have vowed not to allow mining of the resources.

Mr. Duker, however, conceded that chiefs may have genuine concerns, but the onus lies on GIISDEC and partner agencies to engage those chiefs and communities on the importance of the mineral resource to the development of the country.

The deputy minister urged them to expedite actions and processes towards the addition of value to the country’s natural resources.

According to Mr. Duker, GIISDEC and GIADEC have responsibility to ensure that they become foremost refinery centers in the sub-region.

He also implored them to be active in the media space and make Ghana appreciate their efforts and role in the economy.

He observed that whereas GIISDEC is making giant strides, not much is known about their activities.

The deputy minister, therefore, urged them to constantly update the public on their works.

He concluded his remarks with a firm assurance that the ministry remains committed to the cause of GIISDEC and will offer enormous support to their corporation.

The chief executive officer of GIISDEC, Mr. Kwabena Bonsu Fordjor, said his office has designed a master plan which is yet to be launched by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

He disclosed that six out of the eight prospective blocks have been given to Ghanaian investors, which goes to highlight their commitment to raising local contents.

Source: Anchorghana