As the government intensifies efforts to combat illegal mining and safeguard the nation’s water and forest resources, it is also enhancing economic opportunities for residents in mining communities through the Community Mining Scheme (CMS).
To advance these reforms, the government has established 25 CMS concessions to date. On Thursday, September 12, 2024, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. George Mireku Duker, launched the 26th concession in Meretweso, Dunkwa-on-Offin Municipality, Central Region.
Speaking at the launch, Hon. Mireku Duker announced that the new concession will create 3,000 direct jobs and 500 indirect jobs, addressing local unemployment.
He emphasized that the CMS uses environmentally friendly equipment, in contrast to illegal mining, which employs harmful chemicals and destructive methods.
The Deputy Minister rejected claims that the CMS is merely a smaller version of illegal mining and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fighting illegal mining.
Supported by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the CMS represents a modern and sustainable approach to mineral exploration.
Hon. Mireku Duker also provided an update on the government’s progress in protecting Ghana’s mineral resources, including plans to deploy river guards to safeguard water bodies and forests.
