The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. George Mireku Duker, has pledged effective collaboration and coordination with the substantive Minister, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor in a bid to address the ongoing deadlock between Newmont Ghana Gold Limited, a prominent mining firm in the country and the youth of Nkaseim in the Asutifi South District of the Ahafo Region.
The Deputy Minister speaking during a crucial meeting held on Thursday, March 28, 2024, between the Chiefs and Elders of the community and the management of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited emphasized the government’s commitment to finding a sustainable resolution to the impasse.
“Newmont have invested heavily in the concession so it will be difficult for them to just leave. In Ghana, the small-scale mining sector employs over a million people while the large scale employs over 370, 000. The difference is huge and the focus of government is to ensure Ghanaian ownership of the mines.
Honorable George Mireku Duker
He urged the chiefs to prioritize peace and expressed confidence in the Ministry’s ability to address the grievances effectively.
Acknowledging the concerns raised by the community members, Hon. Mireku Duker further encouraged them to utilize appropriate channels to air its grievances for prompt redress.
He explained to the traditional leaders and the people of Nkaseim in the Asutifi South District that Newmont Ghana Gold Limited’s operations had obtained due licensing from relevant institutions, including the Minerals Commission, indicating their compliance with legal regulations.
Community Mining Scheme
Furthermore, Hon. Mireku Duker reiterated the government’s long-term objective of promoting Ghanaian dominance in the mining industry, emphasizing the significance of the Community Mining Scheme (CMS) in achieving this goal.
He underscored the Community Mining Scheme as a platform for fostering sustainable and responsible mining practices while nurturing Ghanaian talent to eventually take over mining operations.
Highlighting the economic impact of the mining sector, Hon. Mireku Duker pointed out that both large-scale and small-scale mining sectors collectively employ a substantial number of Ghanaians.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring Ghanaian ownership of mines to retain generated revenue within the country.
“We brought up the CMS and also training Ghanaians at UMAT to equip them with the knowledge so that someday they will take over the mines.
“In South Africa, the biggest mining companies belong to their citizens so the revenue generated are kept in the country and that is what government wants to do. But we are not there yet so we need to be careful. Let peace prevail and trust us to resolve it this issue”.
Honorable George Mireku Duiker
In response, Mr. Robert Agbozu, Head of the legal department at Newmont Ghana Gold Limited, affirmed the company’s dedication to the socio-economic development of communities where its operates.
He assured the traditional leaders and the people of Nkaseim of Newmont’s commitment to implementing significant development projects in the area alongside mining operations.
Meanwhile, the District Chief Executive Officer (DCE) of the area, Hon. Dwomoh Mensah Robert, echoed the sentiments of collaboration and urged traditional authorities to embrace the benefits of the Community Mining Scheme.
He commended Newmont for its contributions to the district and called for urgent action from the Lands Ministry to establish a Community Mining Scheme concession at Nkaseim to address illegal mining activities.
The stakeholders concluded the meeting with a renewed commitment to dialogue and collaboration, aiming for a mutually beneficial resolution that promotes sustainable development and ensures the welfare of all parties involved.
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