Gov’t Consoles Golden Star Resources

Government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has commiserated with the staff and management of Golden Star Resources (Wassa Mine), in the Western Region, followinga recent attack on its concession at Benso on Thursday, March 16, 2023.

The attack, which has left several persons injured and property worth millions of Ghana cedis destroyed, has forced a delegation, led by the Deputy Minister in charge of Mines, George Mireku Duker, and the Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, to visit the company and assure them of government’s support.

Speaking during the visit on Friday, April 14, Mr. Duker assured that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources will team up with the security agencies to ensure those behind the attack are punished.

“The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources will collaborate with the Security authorities to ensure that culprits behind the attack at the Benso Mine of Golden Star Wassa Limited are brought to book,” he assures.

He added that the ministry has decided to assume these responsibilities as it recognized its key position as a facilitator of the operations of licensed mining companies in the country.

While condemning in no uncertain terms, the actions of the misguided youth, Mr. Duker said government has already taken measures to avoid a recurrence of same.

The deputy minister thus relayed the messages of sympathy and commiserations from the substantive minister, Samuel A. Jinapor, to the victims, management and staff of the company.

“On behalf of the Sector Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, we convey our heartfelt empathies to the workers, management and board of this company. The act was uncalled for and I believe that incident must not in any way be encouraged. We are here to comfort the management and workers of this company,” he stated.

“Know that once you have your requisite license, government will always create the enabling environment for you to work. Other issues that called for this will be addressed in due time but we want to comfort you and indicate to you that the government is solidly behind you,” he added.

According to him, “We will assist in making sure that the perpetrators are brought to book and I’m happy that the law enforcement agencies are dealing with this.”

Mr. Darko-Mensah,on his part, urged the company to improve its relationship with the community.

While assuring them of his readiness to contribute to the process, the Western Regional Minister said the company must take the initiative to address the concerns of the community.

He also condemned the incident and promised that efforts must be made to avoid a destruction of property and lives.

Mr. Owusu Achiaw, the Senior Manager of the Processing Department of the company, recounted the events of the day and counted the losses of the company.

He described as welcoming the visit of Hon. Mireku Duker and the Regional Minister, noting that it is a firm indication of government’s interest in their operations.

After a tour of the site, Hon. Mireku Duker expressed delight with the renovation works ongoing and commended the company for restoring their operations in a relatively short period after the incident.

source: Anchorghana.com