Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has called on mining communities to provide a conducive environment necessary for the smooth operationalization of licensed mining companies in their respective dispensations.

According to him, in the bid to ensure that the benefits of Ghana’s rich mineral resources are enjoyed overwhelmingly by the people who reside in the areas where these minerals are discovered and harnessed, there must be a shared responsibility between the communities and the companies.

He revealed that the fundamental goal must be the creation of impactful projects from the exploitation of the resources.

Speaking during a working tour of Asanko Mining Company, Mr Duker observed that while the companies owe a duty to invest in the areas and contribute to the economic and social empowerment of the residents of their catchment areas, the communities also have an obligation to put in place measures that will ensure the maximization of the investment of the companies.

To this end, he emphasized that when both parties fulfill their duties, success becomes the result for both the companies and the communities.

Furthermore, Mr Duker urged the companies to make community engagement a key feature of their operations as it keeps them abreast with the needs and challenges of the companies and how they can help alleviate those challenges.

He further recommended the ceding off concessions for Community Mining purposes as one of ways of enhancing the relationship between the companies and the communities.

Additionally, the deputy lands minister emphasized on the crucial role of local content participation in companies as it helps the communities feel a part of the company and therefore act in ways that enhance the development and growth of the company.

Alternative dispute resolution mechanism

Addressing the communities, Mr Duker charged them to use alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to register their grievances instead of resorting to violence or other illegal methods.

He equally proposed that communities can help companies deal with the illegal mining menace by volunteering information and ensuring that persons who engage in such acts are dealt with by the law.

“We always urge companies to cede off parts of their concessions for community mining. That could in a way help them prevent the communities from invading. Communities and companies must co-exist. We must find way of ensuring that communities and companies co-exist.
Illegal mining and invasion of concessions have been headaches for many countries and Ghana is no exception, but we must address this collectively. A company must exist but so is the community so we must come together and explore ideas on how best we can address this menace.”
George Mireku Duker

In his presentation, Dr Charles Amoah, the Managing Director of Asanko Mines, described the visit of the Deputy Minister and his entourage as an indication of government’s keen interest in his outfit’s operations.

He outlined some of the challenges the company has encountered in the past few years and explained that they have turned the corner and are now making some steady progress.

Dr Amoah noted that with the cooperation of the Ministry, some of the challenges which are yet to be addressed will be surmounted.

Meanwhile, the District Chief Executive of Amansie South, Opoku Gyamfi, accompanied the Deputy Minister on the working visit.