By Felix Cofie
Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has debunked claims that the community mining concept instituted by the government is Galamsey in disguise.
He said government is totally against illegal mining and has stepped up operations to combat the illegal mining and protect the country’s water and forest resources.
But will also continue to create avenues for the economic empowerment of residents of mining communities with the Community Mining Scheme.
In furtherance of these reformative measures, the government has so far established 25 Community Mining Scheme concessions with the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mines, Hon. George Mireku Duker, MP, launching the 26th concession at Meretweso in the Dunkwa-on-Offin Municipality of the Central Region.
Addressing an enthusiastic crowd of chiefs and residents at durbar held to welcome the CMS concession, Hon. Mireku Duker disclosed that the concession will address unemployment challenges in the area with 3000 jobs created directly and 500 jobs indirectly.
Hon. Mireku Duker outlined the disparities between illegal small-scale mining and the CMS, noting that while the CMS involves the use of environmentally friendly equipment, illegal mining involves the use of heavy metals and destructive chemicals and equipment.
He explained that the CMS, which has the support of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is a modernised and more sustainable mineral exploration model.
Providing update on the fight to protect Ghana’s Natural Resources, the Deputy Minister explained that the government has made significant in-roads and will continue to ensure the protection of the country’s forest cover and water bodies.
He announced that river guards will soon be deployed to areas for the protection of water resources and forests. Hon. Duker reminded the community of their fiduciary responsibility to their communities and the country and urged them to collaborate with government to protect the environment.
He emphasised, “it is our collective responsibility to support and regularise community mining for the benefit of all.”
The Metropolitan Chief Executive of Dunkwa-Offin, Ebenezer Appiah Forson, highlighted the economic impact the CMS is going to have on the community and others nearby. He announced that measures have already been instituted to ensure total adherence to the regulations and urged the people to comply with them.
Dr Festus Awuah Kofi, the Member of Parliament for Upper Denkyira East, promised that the measures outlined in the licensing regime will be completely obeyed. He urged the youth in the area to protect the concession as it will create sustainable economic growth in the area.
