Gov’t To Create Local Giants In Small Scale Mining

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources has disclosed that government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure indigenous Ghanaian mining firms operating in the small-scale mining sector are empowered to become topnotch companies in the country.

According to Samuel A. Jinapor, the President Akufo-Addo-led government is bent on revamping the mining sector and raise local giants in the small-scale mining and the community mining scheme (CMS).

He however reiterated that the surest way of achieving this feat is through the adherence to responsible exploitation of these mineral resources by keeping the environment safe.

The Lands Minister made this known on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 when he launched the Bongo-Soe Community Mining Scheme in the Upper East Region.

At a colorful ceremony graced by the Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, and some traditional authorities in the area, Mr. Jinapor commissioned the Bongo-Soe Community Mining Scheme, which is expected to provide direct and indirect jobs to the people of Bongo and its environs.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Jinapor disclosed that the northern part of the country has been blessed with rich mineral deposits.

He referenced the presence of some mining companies, such as Cardinal Namdini Resources and Perseus Mining, as justification that this part of the country is blessed with rich mineral resources, particularly gold.

He stressed on the importance of correcting the mistake of the past by ensuring the exploitation of the resources in a responsible and sustainable manner.

According to him, the Community Mining Scheme will create employment in the area and improve the livelihoods of the people.

He said in the light of this the Mining Scheme must therefore be religiously adhered to, while warning that the ministry will not hesitate to revoke the license, if the CMS is found not to be following the measures stipulated in the manual.

He urged the management of the CMS to work effectively with the stakeholders in the area, including the District Chief Executive (DCE) and the traditional authorities to ensure that royalties are paid, local jobs are created and reliefs and overall progress in the area is achieved.

Stephen Yakubu, the Upper East Regional Minister, said he was elated that the job creation project has been instituted in his region.

He assured that they will implement the measures contained in the CMS manual and employed the youth in the area to commit to the project for it to succeed.

He also assured that the gold katcha which was donated by the government will be used for its intended purpose.

On his part, the paramount chief of the Bongo traditional area, Naba Baba Salifu Atamaale, was optimistic that the scheme will provide the necessary employment in the area, and urged that mining must be done within the confines of the law, saying that he will in his capacity as the chief ensure that the laws are adhered to.

The Bongo-Soe CMS is the first one to be launched in the Upper East Region.

Source: Anchorghana