The Western Regional minister, Kwabena Otchere-Darko, has vowed to support the fight against illegal mining.
Mr Otchere-Darko made the pledge when the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, visited him at the Western Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) on Monday, April 26, 2021.
He assured Mr Jinapor that “we are ever ready to support you.”
Mr Otchere-Darko however appealed to Mr Jinapor that every stakeholders including chiefs must be brought onboard in the fight against illegal mining popularly called Galamsey.
He further appealed that the ministry and minerals commission should look at the licensing regime.
According to him, when it comes to mineral resources, the Western Region was on top.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jinapor expressed his satisfaction to be in the Western Region.
He reiterated that he has been tasked by President Nana Akufo-Addo to see at first hand what was happening on the grounds and to work with stakeholders on how to manage the country’s mineral resources.
He said although it was the Minerals Commission that issued licenses for mining, the responsibility to shut down a mine for illegal activity rested with the regional security team, thus there was the need for cooperation.
Mr Jinapor begun his two-day working tour of the Western Region on Monday, April 26, 2021.
While in the Region, the Minister will call on Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, interact with security chiefs, and inspect Community Mining sites.
He is also expected to inspect some projects being funded under the Minerals Development Fund (MDF) and hold discussions with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
Also, the sector Minister will interact with small-scale miners to identify their needs and chat the way forward.
Mr Jinapor will also meet officials of the Lands and Forestry Commissions respectively.
He will visit Anglogold Iduaprim Mine in Tarkwa and inspect community mining sites in the area.
The Minister is accompanied on the tour by his two Deputy Ministers Designate Hon. Benito Owusu Bio and Hon. George Mireku Duker, CEO’s of the Forestry, Minerals and Lands Commission, the MDF and some MPs serving on the Select Committee of Lands and Forestry of Parliament as well as the Mines and Energy Select Committee.
By Melvin Tarlue
By Melvin Tarlue