The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Samuel A. Jinapor has called on the Chiefs and Queen mothers of the Oti Region to partner government to effectively manage the newly found resources in the region.
Addressing the Chiefs and Queen mothers of the Oti Regional House of Chiefs, on Tuesday, 14 December 2021, the Minister said the Chiefs must be actively involved in the management and administration of the lands and natural resources of the country because without them, these resources cannot be properly managed.
“It is now time for government and traditional rulers to come together to protect our lands and natural resources” He stated.
He reiterated that hydrocarbons have been discovered in the Voltain Basin and charged them to work with the Oti Regional Security Council ( REGSEC) to protect the lands that have these deposits from foreigners who are likely to take away the raw materials for personal gains without retaining any value in the region.
He asked that they also keep an eye on the iron ore deposits discovered in the region while giving government the time to mobilise the needed resources and funds to exploit both resources for the good of all.
The engagement with the Chiefs is a permanent feature in almost all the 16 regions visited by the Hon. Minister.
The Paramount Chief of the Oti traditional area who also doubles as the President of the Oti Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Mprah Besemuna III, Krachiwura, thanked Hon. Jinapor for being the first Minister of state to have visited the Oti region after the creation of the region.
He also expressed gratitude to the Minister for striving to find a voice and place for traditional rulers in the administration of natural resources in the country.
He added that they recognise his efforts and will therefore support him on all fronts to bring the development he has promised the region.
He however asked that the Minister ensures they receive their due royalties as and when necessary.
The Chief said as a new region, they have uncountable number of needs but they trust in the Minister and in government to deliver on their promises of retaining the full value chain of all mineral resources exploited in their region.
