The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mining, Mr. George Mireku Duker says government will continue to create the enabling environment for the smooth operation of licensed large and small-scale mining companies in the country.
The Deputy Minister said mining companies hold a strategic and indispensable position in Ghana’s economy and its growth and that every policy or support that will facilitate their smooth operation and profit maximization will be adopted by government.
Mr. Mireku Duker gave the assurance when he paid a working visit to TW Tailings Mining Company at Suhyenso in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region.
The Deputy Minister, in his purpose of visit, disclosed he was representing the sector Minister who has been handed an equally important assignment of national significance and interest.
He said the main purpose of the visit was to ascertain the traceability of the gold objects which the company refines.
He disclosed that creating the enabling environment for a thriving mining industry includes ensuring that the minerals are procured from legitimate sources.
“There are mining companies that have secured licenses but are not following through, and it wouldn’t augur well for us to sit in Accra and watch these complaints that we do receive. There are companies with licenses but not following best practices, so it is just prudent for us to come to the field and have first-hand experience.
“Traceability is key to us because we discourage people mining in our forests and people mining illegally and if these minerals are secured or procured from illegal miners then you need to find a way of ending it,” he said.
The Manager in charge of Health and Safety of TW Tailings Mining Limited, Mr Ernest Antwi gave a general overview of the company including staff population and operational capacity and processes.
He assured that the company has acted within the dictates of their licences and also adhered to environmental guidelines.
Mr. Mireku Duker, after the presentation, took a tour of the company to assess for himself their operations.
Speaking after the tour he said the Ministry will continue to make an unannounced visit to mining companies to ensure that the laws are followed.
He commended the company for the representation of Ghanaians in their staff population and expressed satisfaction with everything.
“This is an organized operation, and they follow all the best practices and safety protocols. The only caution is to have the road motorable.”.
The MP for Odotobiri, Hon. Akwasi Gyamfi expressed confidence that the company will expand and employ more Ghanaians.