The Lands and Natural Resource Ministry has disclosed that, Ghana and Burkina Faso will constitute a joint Technical Team for the mining sector. The collaboration among other things will facilitate Mining Operations for the mutual advancement of the two countries.
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor who disclosed this, said Ghana is prepared to collaborate with Burkina Faso for the exploitation of its natural resources. This, he said, will be done in an environmentally, friendly, and sustainable manner for the ultimate benefit of their people.
Mr. Jinapor stated this when the Burkina Faso Minister for Energy, Mines and Quarry, Dr. Bachir Ismael Ouedrago, called on him in a meeting in Accra.
The Minister also noted that the capital fight affecting Burkina Faso and Ghana in the area of mining is disturbing both countries. And as such, both countries must work together in finding a solution.
He maintained that, relations between the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his Burkinabe counterpart, Roch Marc Christian Kabore will further strengthen bilateral ties between the two Nations.
Burkina Faso Embraces Collaboration
Also, Dr. Bachir Ismael Ouedraogo speaking at the meeting embraced the call by his Ghanaian counterpart on a proposed memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries. He posited that, Burkina Faso and Ghana’s collaboration in mining will mean that “Africa is solving Africans problem”.
The Burkinabe Minister expressed keen interest in how Ghana is able to formulate her local content. And also, local participation regulations in Minerals and Mining in the sub-region. He indicated that, he hopes through collaboration, Burkina Faso will also become a mining destination.
Dr. Ouedraogo also hinted on the setting up of a Refinery in Burkina Faso to add value to its mineral resources. He then iterated the urgent need to join forces with Ghana to explore other key areas of mutual interest.
Expectations also under the MOU is that, young Burkinabe’s will understudy their Ghanaian counterparts in the mining sector. The meeting saw a three-member Burkinabe delegation, the Burkina Faso Ambassador to Ghana, Pingrenoma Zagre inclusive.
Ministerial Planning Committee Inaugurated
Meanwhile, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor has inaugurated a seven-member Ministerial Planning Committee. The Committee is chaired by former Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Benito Owusu-Bio.
The Committee will be responsible for the organization of the National Consultative Dialogue on Small Scale Mining as directed by President Akufo-Addo.
This comes on the back of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo asking the New Lands Minster to facilitate to hold a national dialogue to help in the fight against illegal small-scale mining in the country.
Reading out the State of the Nation Address, the President reposed his confidence in the new Minister for Lands. He disclosed trust in Mr. Jinapor to handle the fight against illegal mining popularly known as ‘Galamsey” in the country.
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