Samuel Abu Jinapor with dignitaries present
The government is poised to expand the regulatory mandate of the Minerals Commission to communities or areas across the country where mining takes place.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, who revealed this said such a move, would ensure efficiency in service delivery and effective monitoring of mining operations.
Also, he said that his outfit was working in collaboration with the Ghana Chamber of Mines to ensure the ownership and active participation of Ghanaians across the mining value chain.
Mr. Jinapor gave the assurance at the opening of the 2024 West African Mining and Power conference and exhibition held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), yesterday.
The conference was on the theme, “The Mining and Power Hub: Driving Sustainable Investment in West Africa,” and had various dignitaries including Ministers of Mines and Energy from the West African sub-region, a delegation from the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, members of the diplomatic corps, among others attending.
According to Mr. Jinapor, the government recognised the pivotal role played by the mining and power sectors in the country’s economic growth as both sectors accounted for 47% of the country’s total export receipts last year.
He also indicated that the theme for the conference resonated with the vision and priorities of the government as President Akufo-Addo had championed policies aimed at making the country the mining hub of Africa.
Acknowledging the challenges involved in maintaining this status, the Minister emphasized the need for collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable practices to balance resource extraction with environmental protection, community development, and social responsibility.
President of the Chamber of Mines, Michael Edem Akafia Esq., emphasized the importance of the conference as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, knowledge sharing, capacity building, and partnership formation.
He, therefore, urged stakeholders to explore strategies and solutions that would harness the potential of natural resources while protecting the environment.
By Nafisatu Abdul Razak