Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resource, George Mireku Duker, has implored mining companies to make deliberate and concerted effort towards deepening their relationship with the various mining communities.

According to him, these companies can achieve this by upscaling their local content participation and undertaking developmental projects in those communities.

Addressing the media during a working visit to Kibi Goldfields Limited today, September 14, 2023, Mr Mireku Duker reinforced the belief that mining companies are more likely to enjoy smooth and successful operations if they put the development and growth of the communities and residents within their catchment areas at the heart of their operations.

He revealed that mining companies should not only be interested in generating revenue and profits from the resources deposited in the communities, but also make the growth of the communities and the locals a priority.

This, he reckoned, will create a mutually satisfactory relationship between the communities and the companies and create the ideal conditions for the companies to thrive.

Mining companies assured of conducive environment to thrive

By executing developmental projects in areas such as health, sports, education, and youth development, Hon. Mireku Duker “believes the companies will be performing their fiduciary duty to the communities as well as the government”.

The Deputy Minister equally mentioned that a deliberate attempt at growing Ghanaian giants in the industry will ultimately create a situation where qualified Ghanaians will hold key and strategic positions in leading mining companies in the world.

To this end, he charged the management of Kibi Goldfields to undertake developmental projects in Kibi and its environs.

Furthermore, the deputy lands minister cited that the inner roads in the community and others nearby could be given facelifts by the company as part of its Corporate Social Responsibilities.

The Kibi Goldfields Limited, on its part in a presentation, outlined some major projects it has executed in the communities and promised to switch up their CSR activities following Hon. Mireku Duker’s counsel. It equally enumerated that it has consistently adhered to the requirements and conditions detailed in its operational license.

The visit by Hon. Mireku Duker and his team from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission forms part of his activities to improve the relationship between the government and the companies.

Additionally, the visit is to also ensure that large and small-scale mining companies in the country are operating in accordance with the mining laws of the country.

Earlier this year, the Deputy Lands and Natural Resources Minister in charge of Mining, revealed that the government will continue to create an enabling environment for the smooth operation of licensed large and small-scale mining companies in the country.

He indicated that mining companies hold a strategic and indispensable position in Ghana’s economy and its growth. As such, the government will continue to facilitate policies that ensure their smooth operations.

Prior to this, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, assured the mining industry, particularly licensed large-scale mining companies in the country of government’s commitment to protect their concessions.

He revealed that government in its own right, will activate all the necessary security protocols required to ensure the protection of these concessions.