The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mines, George Mireku Duker, has warned owners of community concessions that government would not hesitate to withdraw their license if they do not follow religiously the regulations on their activities.
According to him, “government plans to make Ghanaians benefit greatly from the extractive industry” but however warned that it will not be at the expense of the country’s environment.
“The protocols and rules pertaining to community mining are explicit;and that anyone who acts in contravention will not be spared by the law”.
Mireku Duker
The Deputy Minister warned the various concession owners;during the launch of a Community Mining Scheme at Kwaebibirem Akyem, Abaam in the Eastern Region.
Mireku Duker further informed the gathering that the government is keen on sanitizing the mining space;to generate more revenue and employment for Ghanaians.
He noted with excitement that the arrival of the community mining scheme in the town will open up more economic activities and also improve the lives of the people.
“The wellbeing of the Ghanaian ranks high above anything on the priorities of government and that any move which includes the implementation of the community mining policy is geared towards the attainment of that objective”.
Mireku Duker
Be confident in government
Also speaking at the launch,;the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kade Constituency,;Alexander Kojo Agyare,;urged the youth of the community to be confident in the government to provide them with job opportunities.
Stressing on the impact of negative mining practices on water bodies and other resources,;Honorable Kojo Agyare, urged the youth of the area to help government combat the menace. He further urged them to do this since the community is not left out of the ramifications of the menace.
He further reiterated that the President of the Republic is not against mining;but wants it to be done in a way that future generations are not harmed;by the activities of the current generation.
Job creation avenue created
The Municipal Chief Executive of the Kade, Honorable Seth Antwi Bosiako also indicated that he was relieved that a job creation avenue has been provided to the area by the President through the Lands Ministry.
Mr. Antwi-Boasiako,;therefore, made a promise to government that his outfit will collaborate with relevant institutions to ensure adherence to the mining protocols.
He also assured the gathering that there will be field inspectors who will aid the miners to make their activities more environmental-friendly.
The launch of the mining scheme forms part of government’s Community Mining Scheme (CMS) initiative in which host mining communities are embedded into the mining value chain. The initiative is also the government’s response to tackling galamsey,;with the aim of creating thousands of new jobs in host communities lawfully.
Present at the inaugural ceremony were the MP for Kade, Mr. Alexander Kojo Agyare,;Ag. CEO of Minerals Commission, Mr. Martin Ayisi, Mr. Ben Aryee,;the Advisor on Mines to the Minister,;Mr. Nelson Ahedor, Director Small Scale and Industrial Minerals,;the DCE of Kade Mr. Seth Antwi-Biosiako and other Associations also joined in at the ceremony.
