Govt officials in a pose after the press conference
Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has detailed the comprehensive vision of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the mining sector aimed at regulating the industry effectively, supporting small-scale miners, and safeguarding the environment.
Addressing a press conference dubbed “A Golden Age for the Maximisation of the Benefits from Natural Resources” in Accra, Mr. Duker noted that the Vice President’s vision and priorities for the country if elected president, will help over one million Ghanaians involved in small-scale mining to transition towards responsible mining practices.
Outlining the 17-point policy of the Vice President on the small-scale mining sector, Mr. Duker said Dr. Bawumia’s vision for the small-scale mining sector is rooted into two themes, “To usher Ghana into a Golden age for the maximisation of the benefits from natural resources like gold, lithium and bauxite through value addition and Ghanaian ownership,” and “Establish a new paradigm in natural resource contracts.”
He explained that the policy will further help to re-tool the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission; reduce license acquisition duration by further enhancing the Online Mineral; and provide capacity-building programmes for the management of SSM/CMS.
Speaking further, he noted that, “In line with this, we will license all miners doing responsible mining. Districts Mining Committee (DMC) will provide initial temporary licenses to miners, as well as deepen the involvement of traditional authorities in the administration of mineral licenses by adequately notifying them of all license processes/stages in their jurisdiction.”
“In furtherance of section 92 of Act 703, the DMCs will be well-resourced to supervise small-scale activities at the various mining districts and ensure mining sites adhere to reclamation and revegetation practices,” he added.
He explained that the Bawumia-led future government will also conduct an audit of all concessions with various licenses and new applications.
He added that they will also establish (through the private sector) a London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) certified gold refinery in Ghana within four years.
The Deputy Minister noted that like Dr. Bawumia said, “As Vice-President, I am like a driver’s mate. But if, by the Grace of God, you make me President, I will be in the driver’s seat with constitutionally mandated authority to pursue my vision and my priorities,” further urging Ghanaians to vote for him in the December polls to lead the country.
By Daniel Bampoe