Heather Cameron (4th right) and S.K. Boafo supported by other officials
The Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Heather Cameron, has called on the board of the Minerals Commission to discuss development in the mining sector of Ghana.
Welcoming the High Commissioner, Board Chairman of the Minerals Commission, S.K. Boafo, expressed happiness in hosting Ms Cameron.
He noted that Ghana has had a long relationship with Canada, especially as members of the Commonwealth.
According to Mr Boafo, one of the objectives of the Board is to engage all key stakeholders in the mining industry to identify issues and subsequently facilitate government’s intervention to ensure optimal contribution from the mining industry to both investors and the country.
Mr Boafo noted that the Board is ready to work to achieve the President’s agenda of Ghana Beyond Aid.
He called for support in building the capacity of the Minerals Commission staff so that they can deliver their mandate.
On the issue of VAT on exploration, which has been a major concern for industry players, the Board Chairman assured that they are working with relevant agencies to resolve issue.
Already, the Minerals Commission Board has met with some key stakeholders, including Parliamentary select Committee on Mines and Energy, the Australian High Commissioner, Ghana Chamber of Mines, the Embassy of The Russian Federation in Ghana, Paramount Chief of Ada Traditional area and South African High Commissioner to Ghana.
On her part, Ms Cameron indicated that she was excited about the enthusiasm of the board and what it has set out to achieve for the mining sector.
She urged the Board to endeavor to focus on diversifying the sector.
She mentioned that the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) was the largest source of gold mining financing in the world and since junior exploration was key to Canada and Ghana alike, the High Commission would continue to explore investments in that direction into Ghana.
She therefore indicated that Ghana’s relationship with the TSX was mission critical because of attraction of scarce exploration capital.
Ms Cameron informed the Board that she had already paid a visit to the George Grant University of Mines and Technology (GGUMaT), Tarkwa and was happy with the mining curricular being run and has therefore initiated collaboration with two Canadian Universities in the areas of Finance, Management and Environmental Science.
The High Commissioner was happy about Ghana’s participation in this year’s Predators & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) mining investment expo in Toronto.