George Mireku Duker, Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mines
As part of efforts to create jobs through responsible and sustainable small-scale mining, the government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has established a Community Mining Scheme (CMS) concession at Bompieso, in the Prestea-Huni Valley Municipality of the Western Region.
Speaking during the launching ceremony, on behalf of the sector Minister, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mines, George Mireku Duker, pointed out that this one brings the total number of opened CMS to 24 in the country.
CMS is a community-centred mining module that promotes local participation in responsible harnessing of Ghana’s mineral resources. The 23rd CMS was recently launched at Moseaso-Abransie in the Manso-Nkwanta constituency of the Ashanti Region.
Job creation
The Deputy Minister stressed that the Bompieso CSM would provide sustainable and profitable employment opportunities to more than 5,000 people in the area. This, according to him, will directly contribute to the transformation of the economic lives of the inhabitants of the community and residents.
He, therefore, charged the traditional leaders and indigenes in the area to be responsible in protecting the water bodies in the area. He re-emphasised the need to avoid the mistakes of the past, by mining in a manner that would not degrade the landscape, water bodies and the environment.
The Deputy Minister urged management of the Bompieso CMS to adhere strictly to the laws governing the establishment of the CMS. He reiterated government’s commitment to ensure that the small-scale mining sector serves as a platform for the growth of Ghanaian investors in the mining sector.
Instrumentality of Gyasi Oteng
Mr. Mireku Duker highlighted the critical role of the parliamentary candidate for the area, Barbara Oteng Gyasi, in the establishment of the mining scheme.
“This day would not have been possible without our mother, Hon. Barbara Oteng Gyasi. I believe that when someone gives you life, it’s only right that you reciprocate that kindness, and the only way she expects you to do that is by voting for her in December elections,” he appealed.
In a speech read on her behalf, Barbara Oteng Gyasi stated that the government of Nana Akufo-Addo had fulfilled most of his promises to Ghanaians, especially the people of Prestea Huni Valley.
“Community Mining Scheme is a good project, and we are expecting to have at least 10 in this constituency. We already have some of the CMS concessions operating, and we will soon launch the others. This project will bring employment and help boost economic activities in the country,” she noted.
Commitment
The Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko, also reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting small-scale mining in Ghana.
He stressed that the government is not opposed to small-scale mining but rather aims to empower Ghanaians to become prominent players in the mining industry.
“We want to raise Ghanaian giants in the mining industry and ensure that we all benefit from it,” he stated. He highlighted the positive impact of small-scale mining initiatives in the Western Region, citing the Community Mining Scheme (CMS) as a successful example.
Appreciation
For his part, the chief of the area, who also chaired the occasion, Nana Attah Brempong II, commended the government and expressed appreciation for the establishment of a CMS concession in the area.
“We are grateful to God and the government for setting up a CMS concession here. We’ve been looking forward to this day, so we are happy to be benefitting from the policy of the government,” he said. He pledged the community’s commitment to adhering to guidelines and ensuring the success of the CMS initiative.
Nana Attah Brempong II emphasised the significance of the CMS concession in contributing to community development and prosperity. “We promise to follow the guidelines and also ensure that it becomes our legacy and helps develop the community,” he affirmed.
