The construction of the state-of-the-art office complex for the Minerals Commission in the Ashanti Region is nearing completion, with the magnificent eight-story edifice expected to be ready for commissioning by October 2024.
This assurance was given by the Project Consultant, Mr. Osei Tutu, during an inspection visit by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP. On Monday, the lands minister toured the facility to assess the progress of the construction, which is set to become the hub for the Minerals Commission’s regulatory and oversight activities in the Ashanti Region and the broader middle belt of Ghana. This includes the Western North and Central Regions.
“I have to commend the CEO of the Minerals Commission, the consultants, the contractors, and everyone who has worked so diligently to ensure that we put up this extraordinary office for the Ashanti Regional Minerals Commission.”
“If we are going to come to grips with mining, particularly large-scale mining, as well as small-scale mining, then the Minerals Commission must have the requisite structure, personnel, and operational capacity to regulate the mining sector. This government has taken the initiative to ensure that the regulation of mining activities is decentralized, and we are on course.”
Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
Addressing the press after his tour, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor emphasized the critical role of a fully operational and well-staffed Minerals Commission office in executing regulatory duties effectively across the region. He highlighted the government’s commitment to decentralizing the commission to enhance its capacity to regulate both large-scale and small-scale mining activities, which are vital to the national economy.
The new office complex represents a significant investment by the government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Hon. Jinapor noted that the building, which is set to be the tallest in Kumasi, will serve as a center for rigorous investigations into the mining sector and its products.
“The contractors have given us the assurance that it will be handed over to the government by the end of September, and I’m going to hold them to it. I will be knocking on the doors of Manhyia to seek the concurrence of His Royal Majesty Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, to commission this project in the first week of October.”
Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi, disclosed that the project was initially estimated to cost GH₵80 million. He also mentioned that the commission plans to let out some offices within the building to generate revenue. Mr. Ayisi elaborated on a comprehensive maintenance plan, ensuring that the facility will deliver long-term benefits to the commission.
Project Consultant Mr. Osei Tutu expressed confidence in meeting the completion deadline, stating that the project is 71% complete. He provided a detailed breakdown of the progress, indicating that preliminaries are at 60%, the soft structure for the main building is 100%, and the ground floor is 63% complete. Overall, the main block and laboratory are at 71% completion.
Since 2021, the Minerals Commission has embarked on a massive infrastructural development drive across Ghana, constructing towers in ten mining regions as part of the decentralization initiative. This effort aims to bring the commission’s services closer to stakeholders and streamline mining operations nationwide.
The completion of this ultra-modern office complex is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Minerals Commission in regulating the mining sector, supporting both local and national economic growth.
The completion of the Ashanti Regional Minerals Commission office marks a significant achievement in the Minerals Commission’s infrastructure development drive. With the new facility set to become operational soon, stakeholders anticipate enhanced regulatory capabilities and improved service delivery in the region. This project underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a robust and transparent mining sector, contributing to economic growth and development across the country.
READ ALSO: Israeli Airstrike On Rafah Likely To Hinder Mediation Efforts
