The state of Communities where mining companies in Ghana have operated in for decades such as Obuasi, Tarkwa and Akwatia is a disgrace to the country as well as Mining companies, and it ought to be addressed as a matter of urgency, President Nana Akufo-Addo has stated.
Addressing the 12th West African Mining and Power Conference in partnership with the Ghana Chamber of Mines under the theme: “A Responsible and Sustainable Mining Industry; A Partner for National Development”, Akufo-Addo questioned why the major mining communities in Ghana do not in any way reflect the several millions of dollars that mining companies have made as a result of their mining operations there.
“Why is Obuasi not the most beautiful city in Ghana or the world if it hosts the richest Gold mine? Why does Tarkwa and Prestea not look like the Golden towns they are? Why does Akwatia’s appearance not reflect anything about the diamonds that have been taken from the soil all these years,” the President asked.
To this end the President charged the Mining industry players gathered to join hands with government through provisions in the Minerals Development Fund Act, (2016) Act 912, to develop effective strategies to help transform mining communities.
On the issue of participation of Local manufacturing companies in the Mining Sector, the President observed that the low level of same must be reversed. He therefore called on the Mining sector giants to engage more locals and help build their capacity to meet the high standards required in the sector.
The Chairman for the occasion, President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines and Regional Chief Finance Officer of Newmont Africa, Kwame Addo-Kufuor in his remarks asked for reforms in the laws governing the use of revenue generated by the Mining sector in order to help address major socioeconomic challenges that the countries of West Africa are faced with.
Source: Ghana/Starrfmonline.com/103.5FM/Wilberforce Asare
