The chiefs, elders, and villagers of Asunafo in the Atiwa West District of the Eastern Region have been praised for their dedication to the preservation of the environment, particularly the Atiwa Forest, by George Mireku Duker, the deputy minister of lands and natural resources in charge of mines.
The government, he said, was impressed by the steps done by localities to protect the environment.
Last Thursday, Mr. Duker inaugurated the Asunafo Community Mining Scheme on behalf of the sector minister and praised the contribution of traditional authorities to its creation.
He urged them to continue acting as the guardians of culture and resources, support the government's efforts to maximise income, and promote Ghanaian involvement in the mining industry.
Contrary to claims, Mr. Duker informed the crowd that President Akufo-Addo continued to value small-scale mining's contribution to the nation's development.
He said that the small-scale mining architecture was the ideal foundation to accomplish the government's stated goal of developing regional titans in the mining industry.
Vice Minister
The Deputy Minister stated that the programme will run according to an operating handbook that specified the health and safety requirements that had to be followed constantly.
"President Akufo-Addo is all for responsible mining, not against it. We encourage you to keep protecting the forest since you've done well. "We have been informed that the chiefs have given their approval for the mining activities here, and we are certain that you will abide by the norms and regulations.
We wish to adhere to all health and safety regulations. In the event of such occurrences, we have the legal authority to close the concession.
He noted, "We've created an operation handbook for the concession.
S. Africa
It was the President's ambition, he added, to build Ghanaian industry leaders. He emphasised that "it's our target within the next five years that only Ghanaians would engage in community mining." He said that South Africa had exploited gold to develop its towns. In order to provide the District Mining Committee members with the skills and tools they need to carry out their duties, Mr. Duker noted that there will be ongoing oversight by geologists and other employees of the Minerals Commission.
The Zambian Minister of Mines and Mineral Development, Paul C.C. Kabuswe, who is visiting Ghana with a group to learn more about the country's mining regulations, said the community mining programme was a fantastic model that his nation should adopt.
He was quite complimentary of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources' numerous interventions used to reform Ghana's mining industry. Seth Acheampong, the Eastern Regional Minister, acknowledged the government's efforts to improve Ghanaians' quality of life. He applauded the idea and welcomed it to the area, calling it a commendable effort that would raise living standards for locals and provide excellent jobs.