A/R: Two Communities benefit from community Mining Scheme
More than 7,500 people is going to benefit from a Community Mining Scheme concessions launched today 26th July 2023 at Moseaso-Abransie and Banko-Camp in the Amansie West district of the Ashanti Region.
Delivering a speech at the ceremony on behalf of the sector minister, the Deputy Minister, Hon George Mireku Duker, promised to continue his advocacy for responsible small-scale mining to create job opportunities for every Ghanaians who are willing to work in the mining sector.
In an interview with the media, Hon Dukar revealed that, Banko-Camp and Manso-Abransie Community Mining Scheme concessions will create 4,500 and 3,000 direct and indirect jobs respectively.
According to him, the 7,500 employment opportunities which will be opened to residents of the two communities and their environs will add to the more than one million jobs created for Ghanaians in the small-scale mining industry.
The Deputy Minister added that, the over one million jobs to the paltry 30,000 jobs offered by the large-scale mining sector, questioning the stance taken by a section of the public against the small-scale mining sector that has historically created socioeconomic doors for Ghanaians.
Whiles touting the lasting and beneficial impact of the Community Mining Scheme as a key tool in eliminating poverty in mining communities and creating jobs in the mining industry, the Deputy Minister rallied the chiefs and people of Amansie West district and Ghanaians in general to stand up against mining activities which are inimical to the country’s water bodies and the environment.
He belabored the point that the anti-galamsey fight being championed by the government requires the collaboration of every Ghanaians and major stakeholders especially the chiefs and queen mothers to get onboard.
Commending the two companies for developing structures which are indicative of their willingness to adhere to the dictates of the Community Mining Scheme manual, Hon. Mireku Duker hammered on the importance of unity and peaceful co-existence between the companies and the communities as “ingredients necessary for successful operation.”
He then urged the firms to undertake various developmental projects in the respective communities and play their role in the growth of the community. This, he said, will lead to lasting peace and unity between the companies, Residents and the chiefs.
Hon. Mireku Duker then condemn illegal mining activities along the Black Volta, stating that measures are already in motion to weed out the miners and protect the river.
Nii Larteh Ollenu, the District Chief Executive of Amansie West commended the Ministry and the Minerals Commission for the innovation which he says will drastically reduce unemployment rate in the district.
Hon George Obeng Takyi, the Member of Parliament for Manso Nkwanta Constituency said small-scale mining is the preserve of Ghanaians and that government has taken a great step in ensuring that the citizens benefit directly from the blessings of nature.
He promised to play his role in ensuring that there is strict adherence to the mining protocols as it will encourage government to open more concessions and employ more of his constituents.
Below are photos from the program
Akwadaa Nyame/Silver FM
