Government committed to build local champions in the mining industry – Mireku Dukar.

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has charged the Wassa Amenfi East and Amenfi West Small-Scale Mining Committee to work in accordance with the constitution as he assured them government full support.

Inaugurating the Wassa Amenfi East and Amenfi West Small-Scale Mining Committees on Thursday, March 17, 2022 on behalf of the sector minister, John Jinapor that forms part of the initiatives to ensure sustainable and responsible mining within mining communities as enshrined in section 92 of the Minerals & Mining Act 2006, (Act 703).

As part of the constitution enshrined by Section 92 of the Minerals and Mining Act 2006, Act 703.

The committee shall ensure that, government policies towards an effective regularization of Small-Scale & Community Mining in Ghana succeeds at the grassroots.

In his inaugural speech, he urged the committees to strictly ensure that miners adhere to safety practices within the sector as Government is very committed to build local champions in the mining industry through sustainable and responsible mining.

The Deputy minister also tasked the committees to ensure that foreigners do not partake in small-scale mining activities in any form or means, as established by Regulation 83 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, Act 703.

Admonishing the committees, he urged them to use this opportunity to create jobs for the teeming youth in their respective Districts through the Flagship Community Mining Scheme Programme, which is a surest alternative livelihood support to help curb the illegalities in the small-scale mining sector.

The Chairmen of the Committees, Hon. Frederick Korankye and Hon. Lord Nana Tandoh, MCES for Wassa Amenfi East and Wassa Amenfi West respectively, indicating that they are committed to deliver on their mandate and help Government achieve its vision of responsible and sustainable mining in the small-scale sector.

The Deputy minister was accompanied on the trip by Mr. Martin Awuah, Technical Director, Mines, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Nelson Ahedor, Director of Small Scale Mining at the Minerals Commission and some other officials from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.