The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Honorable George Mireku Duker, has paid a working visit to the paramount chief of Sehwi Anwhiaso, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II.
Disclosing the purpose of the visit, the Minister stated that, the visit was to officially introduce himself [Mireku Duker] and his entourage who are on a working tour of the Ghana Bauxite Company (GBC) to the Chief who doubles as the President of the National House of Chiefs.
“We can’t be in this town and not make our presence known to the wise and respected chief of this area. So, we are here to officially announce our presence and also seek your support and indulgence in the assignment we are embarking on.”
Mireku Duker
Speaking at the visit to the Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, today, Tuesday, August 24, 2021, the Deputy Lands Minister stated that the Ministry and the government as a whole recognize the important role, the chieftaincy institution plays in the development of the country.
And in that regard, the minister who doubles as the Member of Parliament for Tarkwa-Nsuaem said that it would have been a show of disrespect to the highly-revered stool of Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II for him and his delegation to visit the town without paying homage to the paramount chief.
On his part, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II commended the Deputy Minister and his entourage for the honor done the stool by seeing them as a major stakeholder in the exploitation and management of bauxite resources in the area.
Sehwi Paramount Chief of Sehwi Anwhiaso, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II
Previous administrations failed to exploit bauxite
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II further lamented the failure of previous administrations to effectively exploit the bauxite in the area and was concerned with recent development which he hopes would be addressed by the Deputy Minister and his team.
“We always wait for the quarrying companies to cheat us before we initiate moves. The lands and its minerals have been vested in the government and the government should not delay in applying the rules where necessary.
“I am grateful for the latest move by government and the move to renew their concession. We are even more happy that the renewal of the agreement hinges on them building an aluminum processing plant”.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II
The Deputy Minister was accompanied by the Western North Regional Minister, Hon. Richard Joojo Obeng, the CEO of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Martin Ayisi and CEO of GIADEC, Mr. Michael Ansah.
Minister to engage staff of GBC
The Minister is due to engage with management and staff of the Ghana Bauxite Company (GBC) in Anhwiaso after which he will address the media on the next step for government on the issue.
The Visit to GBC is as a result of the investor, Bosai Minerals Group from China, which has 80 per cent stake in the company, announcing to the government its intention to sell its shares and move out.
Bosai Minerals Group has decided to exit the country due to the non-renewal of the mining lease of the GBC which expires on January 9, 2022.
