Mr. George Mireku Duker, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mining has rallied the people of Bosome-Freho to throw their weight behind the newly launched Community Mining Scheme (CMS) in the area as it has the potential to spur the socio-economic development of the area.
With the concession set to create over 4,000 direct and indirect jobs, Mr. Mireku Duker maintains unity among the residents as well and strict adherence to the mining regulations will create the platform for massive infrastructure development in the area.
Speaking at the launch of the CMS on Wednesday, 22 November 2023, the Deputy Minister disabused the minds of the locals from the misconception that the innovative and laudable Community Mining Scheme initiative is a glorified version of the globally condemned and destructive galamsey menace.
He emphasized that, unlike galamsey, the CMS will have no impact on the environment and waterbodies as the government through the distribution of mercury-free machines is ensuring that the activities to discover minerals in these concessions pose no threat to the environment and the collective interest of Ghanaians.
He further stated the success story of the CMS cannot be only evidenced in the job creation but also in the trooping of other countries including South Africa, South Sudan, UK among others to study and implement it in their respective countries.
Mr. Mireku Duker highlighted the point that the CMS is exclusively for Ghanaians and that the benefits derived are expected to be felt by the locals who reside in these mining communities.
He surmised that the funds generated from the operations of the CMS could be used to embark on developmental projects that would uplift and refine the livelihoods of the people.
Mr. Duker preached against the smuggling of gold from Ghana and laid emphasis on the Precious Minerals Marketing Company, PMMC as the only authorised agency to grade, assay, value, process buy and sell minerals and license agents in Ghana.