4,000 Jobs For Bosome-Freho Residents

…As Community Mining Scheme Takes Off

George Mireku Duker, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mining, has rallied the people of Bosome-Freho to throw their weight behind the newly-launched Community Mining Scheme (CMS) in the area, as it has the potential of spurring the socio-economic development of the area.

With the concession set to create over 4,000 direct and indirect jobs, Mr. Duker maintains the unity among the residents, as well as strict adherence to the mining regulations, will create the platform for massive infrastructure development in the area.

Speaking at the launch of the scheme yesterday, Wednesday, November 22, 2023, the Deputy Minister disabused the minds of the locals from the misconception that the laudable initiative is a glorified version of the globally-condemned and destructive illegal mining menace, otherwise called “galamsey.”

He emphasized that, unlike galamsey, the CMS will have no impact on the environment and waterbodies, as the government, through the distribution of mercury-free machines, is ensuring that the activities to discover minerals in these concessions pose no threat to the environment and the collective interest of Ghanaians.

He further stated the success story of the CMS cannot be only evidenced in the job creation, but also the trooping of other countries, including South Africa, South Sudan and the UK, to study and implement it in their respective countries.

“The Minerals Commission has approved that this concession will pose no harm to environment. The happiness and excitement on the faces of the youth fill me with great joy. I have gone around and satisfied that all the conditions necessary for licensing this operation have been met. I also came with a mercury-free machine which will help mine without responsibly,” he stated

He added, “There have been officials from Zambia, Sudan, South Africa to Ghana to learn from our Community Mining Scheme policy. We will ensure constant monitoring to ensure that the regulations are adhered to,”

Mr. Duker, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tarkwa Nsuaem in the Western Region, highlighted that the Community Mining Scheme is exclusively for Ghanaians, and that the benefits derived are expected to be felt by the locals, who reside in these mining communities.

He surmised that the funds generated from the operations of the project can be used to embark on developmental projects that will uplift and refine the livelihoods of the people.

No Smuggling

Mr. Duker preached against the smuggling of gold from Ghana and laid emphasis on the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), as the only authorized agency to grade, assay, value, process, buy and sell minerals and license agents in Ghana.

The Municipal Chief Executive Officer for BosomeFreho, Kofi Adu Amoateng, focused his speech on the job creation benefit of the CMS, commending the government for the initiative.

He noted that the youth of the area will now be engaged and experience some personal growth and wealth with the arrival of the CMS.

Akwasi Darko Boateng, the Member of Parliament for the area, encouraged the residents to resort to the right channel, such as the elders of the community, to have their grievances addressed.

The Bosome-Freho concession takes the total number of Community Mining Scheme concessions launched so far across the country to 24.

Source:Anchorghana.com