The Municipal Chief Executive of Obuasi, Elijah Adansi Bonah has advised the newly sworn-in district chairpersons of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) to work hand-in-hand with the government to resolve issues in the mining sector which requires a joint effort.
Speaking at a ceremony to swear into office the new district chairpersons to steer affairs of GNASSM at the various districts across the country, Mr. Bonah, advised the new executives to always consider negotiating with government to reach mutual grounds on policies they may not agree with.
“I entreat the new leadership of the association to work hand-in-hand with government to better the sector because there are many issues that the mining sector faces and it requires a collective effort from all stakeholders to resolve all these issues.
“Whenever there are concerns with any of government’s decisions or policies, I urge the leadership to make it a point to come to the negotiating table so that an agreement that benefits all parties will be reached.”
District Chief Executive of Obuasi East, Madam Faustina Amissah also speaking at the ceremony, advised the newly elected district chairpersons to remain nonpartisan in discharging their duties being assigned them, regardless of the fact that they have party affiliations.
She also advised them to not involve the association in any political debate adding that it will help the association maintain a strong and cordial relationship with all political parties to enable them to engage with all governments.
“If you have taken it upon yourself to lead the association, then you must desist from involving the association in party politics because governments come and go and the association would have to work cordially with whoever is in power. The association provides employment for the youth in our communities and we want to maintain that.”
The ceremony which was held at Obuasi in the Ashanti Region was graced by national executives of the Association, the Deputy CEO of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi, and the MCE of the Municipality.
The district chairpersons who have a four-year mandate are: Frank Osei, Ashanti Chapter District Chairman; Mohammed Amoa, Akim Oda District Chairman; Ben Kwame Amonoo, Dunkwa District Chairman; Frederick Nana Amissah, Tarkwa District Chairman and Eric Addai, Konongo District Chairman.
The rest are Adu Gyamfi, Bibiani District Chairman; Nana Mark Yeboah, Asankragwa District Chairman; Benedictus Gbordzor, Assin Fosu District Chairman; Abdulai Yakubu, Wa District Chairman and Robert B. Tampoare, Bolgatanga District Chairman.
Moving on to the small-scale miners across the country, Nana Bawuah Afiamoah Kotokuo, Sansohene, admonished them to provide a safe working environment for its staff to prevent disasters associated with the job.
According to him, mining provides economic boosts like jobs and as such advised the miners to ensure that all safety protocols at their mining concessions are observed to prevent incidents that may cause injuries and loss of life.
To prevent armed robbery and other social vices in mining communities, he further urged the small scale miners to
“Ensure that they are well documented and have safety measures to ensure continuity of mining in the communities.”
He encouraged the small scale miners to dignify their profession by looking presentable.
“Please ensure that all your workers on your various sites look neat and presentable. A large number of them look so scary and unkempt. Please communicate to your members at the grassroots to begin to change their appearance.”
