Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Mr. Samuel Abu Jinapor has stated that government will implement appropriate regulatory, legal, fiscal, and environmental policies, to achieve the vision of the President for the mining sector.
This, he stressed, will help build a responsible, viable, sustainable and environmentally-sound mining industry anchored on integrity, transparency and good governance.
Mr Abu Jinapor who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Damongo said the move, will bring optimum benefit to the people of Ghana, who are the true owners of these minerals.
The minister stated these at the 3rd International Conference on Irrigation and Agriculture Development (IRAD, 2022), held at the University of Development Studies in Tamale yesterday.
Mr Jinapor commended highly, the University’s attempt to find solutions to the effective management of our water resources and environmental sustainability, even in the face of increasing natural resources exploitation.
Delivering the Keynote address, the Minister indicated that the conference comes at a time when Government has intensified its fight against illegal mining and at a point when the country is mobilising the entire country to support an aggressive afforestation programme to contribute to global climate action.
He said the impact of mining on water resources and environment is not only an issue of illegalities but a natural occurrence from exploitation of minerals and therefore if no action is taken on indiscriminate mining practices coupled with lack of reclamation by these miners, it will result in deforestation and land degradation across the country.
However, Mr Jinapor noted that he does not suggest that the Country quits mining but rather exploit the natural resources to provide the raw materials for the development of Ghana.
“We cannot industrialise if we do not invest in the exploitation and utilisation of our bauxite and other mineral resources”, he pointed out.
Mr Jinapor noted that the people in local communities, particularly women, who depend heavily on the natural environment for their sustenance, always bear the brunt of human activities that impact on the environment.
The Minister therefore admonished all mining companies, particularly the large scale companies to realise their duty towards the local community, and ensure that their operations bring optimal benefit to the communities.
“Mining companies must also, at all times, observe their duty to mine responsibly, both environmentally and socially, to minimise the impact of their operations on the environment and maximise benefits”, he added.
The Minister said to be able to achieve the African Mining Vision, which advocates for transparent, equitable and optimal exploitation of mineral resources to underpin broad-based sustainable growth and social economic development”, there is the urgent need for stakeholders to adopt policies and regulatory framework anchored on the vision.
He added that the vision of the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is to make Ghana the mining hub of Africa, where all mining and mining related actives, from exploration to downstream production, and from research to innovation, will be centred.
Mr Jinapor disclosed that his Ministry in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General is working to amend the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) to expressly prohibit the manufacture, sale, supply and use of the floating device, “changfans.”
Touching on the recent tragic incident at Appiatse, he said government has decided to build the Community into a Modern, Green and Sustainable community, stressing that in the medium to long term period the new Appiatse township will become the model of mining communities and rural development in Ghana.
