Burkina Faso To Understudy Ghana’s Mining Architecture

…As Top Gov’t Delegation Arrives

A high-powered government delegation from the Republic of Burkina Faso has arrived in Ghana to foster relationship and acquaint themselves with operations of Ghana’s mining sector, as well as tap into the country’s comprehensive experiences.

The delegation, led by Burkina Faso’s Minister of Mines and Quarries, Mr. Simon Pierre Boussim, is expected to understudy how Ghana is handling its Artisanal Small-Scale mining architecture, especially the ongoing regularization process to sanitize the system, through the Community Mining Scheme initiative.

They believe Ghana’s Artisanal Small-Scale mining space is worthy to emulate on the continent, and it is one of the best to learn from.

The team seized the opportunity to invite officials of Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to an upcoming mining programme, dubbed “West African Mining Activity Week,” slated for 28th to 30th September 2023.

Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources responsible for mining, George Mireku Duker, who received the delegation on Thursday, August 17, 2023 on behalf of the sector minister, briefed them on government’s interventions in managing the small-scale mining sector and the results achieved.

After briefing them on the organogram of Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Deputy Minister outlined how government is seeking to transform the mining sector with creative initiatives and measures.

He explained that government’s plans for the mining sector are anchored on two things, which are value addition and the overhauling of the small-scale mining sector from an industry dominated by illegal mining to a responsible and sustainable industry that contributes to national development through the economic empowerment of Ghanaian locals.

Mr. Duker mentioned the establishment of GIADEC, GISDEC and government’s commitment to moving Ghana from purely a mineral-producing country to a mineral-processing nation.

On his part, the Burkina Faso Minister of Mines and Quarries disclosed that his country faces similar mining challenges as Ghana, but was impressed with the initiatives implemented by Ghana and they are therefore prepared to tap from Ghana’s rich experience.

He believes that the programme, scheduled for September, this year, is yet another opportunity for African countries to share ideas on growing the mining industry, and that Ghana, as a leader in the production of gold and other minerals, should be an active participant.

Other members of the delegation are Burkina Faso’s Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. David Kabre, Permanent Secretary of Mines, Sanou Yaannick, DG of Sonabhy, Compaore Johnny, Directors of Cabinet, Sankara Yaya and Tapsoba C. Fuanele and some officials.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister has also re-opened the conversations about the need for leading gold-producing countries, particularly African countries, to have a direct say in the determination of the price of the commodity.

According to him, the current situation whereby Ghana, Burkina Faso, South Africa and other countries do not have a spot at the table where such critical decisions are taken is an aberration that requires urgent rectification.

He is therefore appealing to leading gold producers on the continent to come together and seek direct representation at the global table where they will directly influence decisions on the commodities produced by their countries.

Source: Anchorghana.com