Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources George Mireku Duker has stated that government will continue to work with relevant stakeholders in ensuring that Ghana’s natural resources are exploited without any significant impact on the environment while still gaining maximum economic benefits.
He mentioned community mining as an example of government’s determination to see that gold mining is done in a more sustainable manner.
The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources reiterated government’s commitment when he inaugurated two community mining schemes at Mmampehia in the Ahanta West and Jomoro Municipalities in the Western Region.
He stated that government will continue to encourage and ensure responsible mining at all levels in the mining sector.
Mr Mireku Duker stressed that President Akufo-Addo and his government are not against mining but expect that mining whether large and small-scale is conducted “strictly within the confines of the law”.
“It is alarming what some unscrupulous people are doing in the sector which is causing irreparable damage to our water bodies. And this may have dire consequences on the health of people who depend on such water bodies especially downstream. We cannot continue to let that happen.”
Western Region Minister Kwabena Otchere Darko-Mensah stated that the economic gains from gold mining cannot be overemphasized.
“However, it cannot be the case that the activity is left to chance due to the economic benefits. Government will do all it can within the confines of the law to ensure that sanity prevails in the sector for the country to gain maximum benefit”.
He further explained: “As you can see, for example, here in Kwabre, the operation is not in a forest reserve neither is it on a water body. There are experts around to ensure that the right thing is done. And you can see the level of excitement and enthusiasm that greeted the inauguration. It tells you people are eager to work and earn an honest income. And this government will make that possible for more youth in the coming day”.
Municipal Chief Executive for Jomoro Ernest Kwofie assured that he will lead a personal crusade to see to it that the mining is done responsibly.
Member of Parliament for Ahanta West and Minister of Chieftaincy Affairs Ebenezer Kojo Kum charged the workers to conduct themselves in a way so as to encourage government to continue opening more community mines in other mineral rich areas.
“This mining will give work to thousands of the youth who will in turn spend their earnings in Ahanta West, and the multiplier effect on the municipality and even communities around it will be great. All I will plead for is that you mine in a responsible manner.”
By Eric Yaw Adjei|Connect FM|3news.com|Ghana
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