The Minister for Information, Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has charged Stakeholders of the just ended 2-day Natural Resources Stakeholders Dialogue to ensure that the core points of discussion travel beyond the space of discussion and also ensure that the law bites to deter all who may have intentions of venturing into such acts.
“One strongest point that has been echoed here since yesterday is the fact that some of the key offenders and perpetrators of destruction on the natural resources are not here to hear the brilliant ideas that have been brought forth and that therefore imposes a responsibility on us, the Ministry, Graphic and all other stakeholders to let the word resonate beyond these walls,” He said
The Minister made this statement on Friday, 12th May 2023 when he closed the two-day Natural Resources stakeholder Dialogue organised by the Graphic Communication Group Ltd in partnership with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
He encouraged the house to aspire to make the ideas shared and discussed happen. Adding that “the little change each person makes will go a long way to bring about the collective good, we so much desire”.
Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah quoting a saying by the famous Indian Lawyer and Stateman, Mahatma Ghandi said Ghanaians should strive to be the change they want to see.
He stated that natural resources play a pivotal role in the lives of every Ghanaian. Stating that they contribute as a major pillar of the country’s economic, social and environmental growth. Exemplifying Ghana he said, “In Ghana, our natural resources contribute to income generation, creation of employment for the citizenry and tax receipts on mineral production which help the government in providing social services including education, healthcare delivery, provision of electricity and infrastructure”.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah opined that the exploitation of these natural resources has over the years led to the destruction of the environment, loss of properties and in some instances loss of human lives.
He, however, noted that President Akufo-Addo is not only concerned with the protection and preservation of our natural resources but how these resources can be effectively exploited to ensure the country derives optimal benefits from them.
He said, the recent discovery of lithium and other critical minerals in commercial quantities in Ghana, ought to be given serious attention. “It is important for Government to put in place modalities which will ensure that these critical minerals are efficiently exploited in order for the country to derive the optimal benefits for our sustainable collective good. It is time to change the status quo of mining and exporting our minerals in their raw form”.
He congratulated the Graphic Communication Group Limited (GCGL) and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for planning and executing this national assignment with dedication and precision. Stressing that “Let us go home not only to reflect on what has been discussed since yesterday but to also share with our colleagues, family and friends, resolutions of this dialogue”.
The Information Minister thanked the various panellists and all participants who have contributed in diverse ways to making the programme a resounding success.
