Minister Inaugurates 15 District Mining Committees …As Gov’t Commits To Building ‘Local Champions’ In Mining

A Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources has revealed the Ghana government’s resolveto build local Champions in the area of mining,to ensure sustainable and responsible mining in the country.

The deputy minister in charge of mining, George MirekuDuker, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tarkwa Nsuaem constituency, has thus, called for a strict adherence to safety practices within the sector so that this intention can successfully be implemented.

The Deputy Minister who said this when he inaugurated a 6-member 15 District Mining Committees in the Eastern Region, tasked the committees to ensure that foreigners do not partake in small-scale mining activities in any form or shape, as established by Regulation 83 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, Act 703.

He said: “I urged them to use this opportunity to create jobs for the teeming youth in their respective Districts through the Flagship Community Mining Scheme Programme, which is a surest alternative livelihood support to help curb the illegalities in the small-scale mining sector.

The inauguration and swearing-in of the Members of the Mining Committees of the 12 Districts in the Eastern Regional capital, Koforidua, was held on Tuesday, May 31, 2022.

The inauguration is in line with government’s objective of decentralizing the Regulation and Management of Mining activities in the country.

The districts involved are: West Akim Municipality, Kwaebibirem District, Atiwa East District, Atiwa West District, Ayensuano District, Upper West Akim District and Dekyembour District.

The others are: Birim North District, Abuakwa South Municipality, Nsawam Adoagyiri Municipality, Kwahu West Municipality and Fanteakwa South District.

George MirekuDuker, who administered the oath of office, laid special emphasis on the responsibility handed the committee,which is to play an active role in the protection and management of the country’s natural resources.

He explained that they are to act as dedicated and firm partners to the district officers of the Minerals Commission, in their bid to regulate and control mining activities in their respective districts.

The Deputy Minister affirmed his confidence in the members to execute the task handed them by the government.

“There is yet another important statutory imperative in relation to the management of the nation’s mineral resources that is why we are all assembled here today. We are gathered here to inaugurate the Small-Scale Mining Committee as established under section 92 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).

The Committee, one of the many to be established across mining regions of Ghana, is to assist the District Office of the Minerals Commission to effectively monitor, promote and develop mining operations in their localities.

It has its work cut-out for it. Considering the caliber of its members, however, I’m honoured to declare that the Committee will succeed in its duty of ensuring an orderly, effective, efficient and sustainable small scale/community mining in its area of jurisdiction,” he said.

MrMirekuDuker observed that since the assumption of office, the Akufo-Addo government, has taken various steps to promote responsible mining and increase revenue from the sector.

He mentioned the anti-galamsey fight and subsequent introduction of the Community Mining Scheme, as decisive and far-reaching steps taken to grow the sector.

He also referenced the acquisition of speedboats and empowerment of various regulatory bodies, as commendable initiatives.

“That is why the Government of H.E. President Akufo-Addo has decided to confront the menace of illegal mining (galamsey) through various initiatives and policies.

The government, he said, has amended the mining laws to enhance the sanctions regime, launched Operation Halt II, to rid our waterbodies and farmlands of destructive and illicit galamsey activities, among other initiatives and policies.

“On the other hand, the government through the sector Ministry, continues to support the regulatory efforts of the Minerals Commission in order to build an efficient, modern and sustainable small scale mining sector, involving both precious and industrial minerals.”

Mr. Mireku Duker implored the committee members to be diligent in their work and disclosing that the Ministry, will organize workshops for the various District Mining Committees, to enhance their capacity and sensitize them about their core mandate.

The District Chief Executive (DCE)of the Atiwa West Seth Asante, in a speech read on behalf of the Committees indicated their commitment to deliver on their mandate to help government achieve its vision of responsible and sustainable mining in the small-scale sector.

MrDuker was accompanied on the trip by Samuel Tika, Deputy CEO, Minerals Commission, Mr. Nelson Ahedor, Director of Small-Scale Mining at the Minerals Commission, Dr. John Krugu, Project Coordinator, Ghana Landscape Restoration Project & Small-Scale Mining and some other officials from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Seth Acheampong lamented the negative impacts of illegal mining on socio-economic activities in the region.

But hewas hopeful that the inauguration of the District Mining Committees and the current Community Mining Scheme, will help address these issues.

He urged the committees to be abreast with the scope of their work and coordinate with relevant stakeholders to deal with the illegal mining canker.

source:theanchorghana