Government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commenced discussions on creating a central marketplace for jewellery similar to the Dubai Gold Souk.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor who disclosed this said the move forms part of efforts to improve the jewellery industry in Ghana in line with the far-sighted visions of the President.
According to him, the Akufo-Addo administration is working to transform the national economy, which has been dependent on the production and export of raw materials to a value-adding, industrialized and prosperous economy.
Speaking at the launch of the Otumfuo commemorative gold coin at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi last Sunday, Mr Abu Jinapor noted that the addition of the coins embossed with the image of the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II will go a long way to help support government’s efforts to promote the jewellery industry.
“We are putting in place measures to ensure the sustainability of the industry. In 2017, we commenced the National Assay Programme, to monitor effectively, gold exports from both large and small-scale mining. And, this year, we have digitalized the National Assay Laboratory at the Kotoka International Airport, to enable us monitor, in real-time, all gold exports from the country.
“We have also, through the PMMC, supported the establishment of Ghana’s first state-owned gold refinery, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The refinery, when operational, will have a daily capacity to process some four hundred kilogrammes (400kg) of gold, and, thankfully, work on this important project is ninety per cent (90%) complete. Our goal is to retain, refine and process all gold mined in Ghana into bullions and jewellery,” he added.
The Ministry, Mr Abu Jinapor said, is working with the Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders to commence the processes of securing a London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) Certification to enable Ghana to export and trade its refined gold on the international market.
He disclosed that government is determined to invoke its peremptory right pursuant to section 7 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), to make gold readily available in Ghana.
Eulogy to Otumfuo
Mr. Abu Jinapor applauded his Royal Majesty the Otumfuo for the pivotal role he has been playing in the social, political and economic development of the country since his ascension to the revered Golden Stool a little over two decades ago.
“Undoubtedly, the enduring peace and stability we are enjoying in the Fourth Republican dispensation can be attributed, in part, to the untiring efforts of our beloved King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
“It is, therefore, fitting that tonight, we have come from all walks of life, and from far and near, to honour the Asantehene for his contribution to the growth and development of Ghana, through this innovative, memorable gold coin.
He noted that ‘sika kokor’ as gold is referred to in Asante is sacred and used only for the good of the community and stressed with regard to the history of gold in the Asante Kingdom, there could not have been any better means of celebrating a King so dedicated to peace and cohesion.
Mr Abu Jinapor prayed to the Good Lord to continue to grant divine wisdom to his Royal Majesty as he did to the Biblical King Solomon so as to accomplish his Gold-assigned mission.
