The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has urged government’s communicators to promote small scale mining for the benefits of Ghanaians at a consultative meeting with the communicators from the Western and Western North Regions respectively.

The engagement which was held in Tarkwa afforded the Deputy Minister the opportunity to apprise the communicators with their duties and responsibilities in the chain of the galamsey fight.

The Deputy Minister who also doubles as the MP of the area called on the communicators to demonstrate their support to the fight against illegal Mining by disseminating timely and accurate information on the activities embarked on by government in the sector.

Mr Duker revealed that despite the successes chalked by government in the drive, there appears to be a huge gap in the communication of these successes. He, therefore, implored on the communicators to be committed to their duty of information sharing on policies so as to keep the public well informed.

To help the communicators execute their job diligently, Mr Duker elaborated an all-encompassing presentation on the battle against illegal mining from 2017 when H.E Nana Addo Dankwa-led administration assume the reign of this country.

The Deputy Minister’s insightful and comprehensive presentation highlighted some interventions rolled out by government to sanitize the small-scale mining sector.

Among these interventions are organization of consultative dialogues, declaration of red zones, digitalization of small-scale mining licenses, commissioning of mercury free machines, acquisition of speedboats, activation of the Community Mining Scheme and recruitment of river wardens.

Mr Duker reminded the trained communicators of their role as liaisons between the government and the general public, stating that they are to preach the commendable and instructive efforts and achievements by government and also criticized where necessary. He also explained into detail the role of government in the fight so as to curb the situation where the Ministry is mostly blamed for the ineffectiveness of some state institutions.

The deputy lands minister equally demonstrated with examples that the government and Ministry’s core duty is formulating and implementing policies for the attainment of its objectives for the sector.

On his part, the Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, prompted the communicators that they have crucial role to play and must up their game to help the government achieve its objective for the sector.

Addressing safety and health issues of Big Stone Mining Company

Meanwhile, Mr Duker has ordered the management of Big Stone Mining Limited to as a matter of urgency address all safety and health concerns of their site or face a shutdown.

During his tour of the company, he expressed dissatisfaction over what he considers to be blatant disregard for the health and safety protocols outlined in the licenses granted the company.

The Deputy Minister directed the staff of the Minerals Commission who are part of his delegation to ensure that the company complies with the order.

Lamenting the situation which he describes as an eyesore, he reminded the company of its responsibility of ensuring the safety its workers. He warned that the Ministry and Minerals Commission will not watch on unconcerned for companies to flout the laws of the country with impunity.

“I’ve seen things that I’m not happy with in terms of your health and safety protocols. This place doesn’t befit the status of large-scale concession and that must be immediately addressed. The environment is already weedy, and this is the headquarters of Big Stone where your administrative offices are then it’s an eyesore. I will ask my technical officers to immediately act on that. I cannot fathom why I should come and meet this situation. We are mandated by the LI to shut your operations based on what we are seeing here.”
George Mireku Duker

Furthermore, Mr Duker tasked the company to build a strong relationship with the communities in its catchment areas. He noted that this could be done through a committed application of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibilities.

“The mandate of this company should not be only getting gold out of the soil; it must also be your responsibility to create enabling and serene environment for your workers. It is important to ensure that you have a closer and deeper relationship with the community in which you work. We are here to streamline and get the best practice out of this company. If you are determined to work in this country, then you must be ready to obey the rules and regulations of this country. You must work under the dictates of Act 703.”
George Mireku Duker

Subsequently, Mr Duker assured the company the government is focused on implementing policies and programs that will facilitate the smooth operations of mining companies. He urged them to support government by adhering to the mining laws and undertaking development projects in various communities.