On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mines, Hon. George Mireku Duker, hosted the three-member Tanzanian delegation, which was led by Archard Kalugendo, the Assistant Commissioner of Mines from Tanzania’s Ministry of Minerals.
The visit was a significant step for Tanzania as it positions itself as an emerging giant in Africa’s mining sector. The two countries engaged in extensive discussions on mining strategies, policies, and practices aimed at boosting sustainability and value addition in the sector.
During the meeting, Hon. Duker highlighted the unique features of Ghana’s mining sector that have propelled the country to the forefront of the industry in Africa.
“Ghana’s mining industry has been carefully developed over the years to balance sustainability with revenue generation.
“We have implemented policies that make sure the wealth generated from mining is invested back into the economy to support key government initiatives, including infrastructure development, healthcare, and education.”
Hon. George Mireku Duker, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
He outlined how Ghana’s approach to mineral resource management, which includes policies on value addition, environmental protection, and local participation, has contributed to the success of the sector. These features make the country a valuable partner for other African nations seeking to enhance their mining sectors.
Ghana’s transformative work in the mining sector continues to attract attention across Africa, with numerous countries seeking to learn from its innovative practices and policies.
The delegation sought to gain insights into Ghana’s highly regarded mining industry, which has become a model for sustainable resource management and economic development in the region.
He commended Tanzania for taking proactive steps to learn from Ghana’s established mining sector, emphasizing the importance of knowledge sharing across the continent.
“As Tanzania emerges as a significant player in the African mining industry, it is crucial to collaborate and share knowledge with countries like Ghana, which has a proven track record of harnessing its natural resources responsibly and effectively,” he added.
One of the cornerstones of Ghana’s success in the mining sector is its focus on refining and adding value to its mineral resources before export.
Hon. Duker revealed that Ghana is currently on a path towards the complete refinement of its discovered resources, an initiative championed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Ghana has established key institutions such as the Ghana Integrated Aluminum Development Corporation (GIADEC) and the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC), which are playing critical roles in advancing the country’s industrialization agenda.
These corporations are tasked with overseeing the full value chain of their respective minerals, from extraction to processing and value addition, with the goal of developing a sustainable mining sector that contributes to long-term economic growth.
Tanzania’s Interest in Ghana’s Success
For Tanzania, the visit was an opportunity to understudy Ghana’s successes and challenges in the mining sector.
As the East African nation continues to develop its own mining industry, particularly in minerals like gold and nickel, the Tanzanian delegation sought to understand how Ghana’s policies could be adapted to suit their context.
“We have been following Ghana’s progress in the mining sector with great interest, and we believe there is a lot we can learn.
“This visit has provided us with valuable insights into how to manage our own mineral resources in a way that is sustainable and beneficial to our people.”
Archard Kalugendo, Assistant Commissioner of Mines from Tanzania’s Ministry of Minerals
Tanzania’s engagement with Ghana highlights the growing trend of intra-African cooperation in resource management and economic development.
As African countries continue to unlock the potential of their natural resources, exchanges like these will play a critical role in ensuring that the continent benefits from its mineral wealth.
With policies focused on value addition, sustainability, and strategic use of resources, Ghana is well-positioned to remain a leader in Africa’s mining industry, setting a standard for others to follow.
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