Develop framework for exploitation of mineral resources…Jinapor to re-constituted Minerals Commission board
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, has urged the newly reconstituted board of the Minerals Commission to develop framework for the exploitation and development of Ghana’s mineral resources.
He said, currently there had been unrivalled focus on gold exploitation to the detriment of other economically beneficial mineral resources.
An effective framework when implemented, he explained, would lead to a boost in industrialisation and create jobs for the country’s youth.
The Minister was speaking in Accra yesterday during the inauguration of the Minerals Commission’s nine-member Board.
Chaired by Barbara Oteng-Gyasi, former Minister of Tourism, Creative Arts and Culture, the members include Martin Kwaku Ayisi, Acting Chief Executive of the Commission, Alhaji Iddrisu Sulemana, Dakoa Newman and Togbui Awusu III, all nominees of the President.
The rest are Charles Acheampong, James Koligu Ataki, Emmanuel Vincent and Judy Nakuor Crayem, who are all the President’s nominees.
“I want to remind you that it is not a gold commission. It is Minerals Commission which means your work should cut across gold, bauxite, lithium, clinker and salt, among others.
We appreciate that the contribution of gold to our GDP is enormous but creating an industry for all others will ensure the country derives socio-economic benefit from the exploitation of all our resources,” Mr Jinapor stated.
In the face of the threats of illegal mining and the need to support the small scale mining industry, the Minister asked the Board to fashion out ways and strategies to promote small scale mining and eradicate illegal practices.
He reiterated that the mineral resources of the country remained the property of Ghanaians and government was determined to exploit and manage it for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
On behalf of the other members, Mrs Oteng-Gyasi expressed gratitude to the government for the opportunity to contribute their knowledge for the management of Ghana’s resources.
He said the board recognised the importance of the Commission in the realisation of the government’s industrialisation and Ghana Beyond Aid agenda.
Despite the prevailing illegalities in the small scale mining sector, she assured of a commission that was ready to support in the implementation of reforms and build the local industry.
“It is time we move from local content to local participation to help in the retainment of revenues. We will work hard to realise the vision of the government,” Mrs Oteng-Gyasi stated.
BY CLAUDE NYARKO ADAMS
