Samuel Abu Jinapor cuts the tape to launch the scheme as the chiefs and elders applaud him
SAMUEL A. Jinapor, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, on Tuesday, launched the Bongo-Soe Community Mining Scheme at Bongo-Soe in the Upper East.
At a colorful ceremony graced by the Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, and some traditional authorities in the area, Hon. Jinapor commissioned the Bongo-Soe Community Mining Scheme (CMS), expected to provide direct and indirect jobs to the people of Bongo and its environs.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Jinapor disclosed that the Northern part of the country had been blessed with rich mineral deposits.
He referenced the presence of some mining companies such as Cardinal Namdini Resources and Perseus Mining, among others, as justification that this part of the country was blessed with rich minerals resources particularly gold.
He stressed on the importance of correcting the mistake of the past by ensuring the exploitation of the resources in a responsible and sustainable manner.
He said President Akufo-Addo’s administration was bent on revamping the mining sector and raising local giants in the small-scale mining industry adding the Community Mining Scheme was an ideal way of achieving that.
He expressed the belief that the Community Mining Scheme would create employment in the area and improve the livelihoods of the people.
Advising that the CMS manual should be religiously adhered to, he said his outfit would not hesitate to revoke the licence if the CMS was found not to be following the measures stipulated in the manual.
He urged the management of the scheme to work effectively with the stakeholders in the area including the DCE and the traditional authorities to ensure that royalties are paid, local jobs are created, reliefs and overall progress in the area is achieved.
Stephen Yakubu, Upper East Regional Minister, said he was elated that the job creation project has been instituted in his region.
He assured that they would implement the measures contained in the CMS manual and implored the youth in the area to commit to the project for success.
He also assured that the gold katcha, donated by the government, will be used for its intended purpose.
The paramount chief of the Bongo Traditional Area, Naba Baba Salifu Atamaale, was optimistic that the scheme would provide the necessary employment in the area.
The Bongo-Soe CMS is the first CMS to be launched in the Upper East Region.