Accra, Feb.10, GNA-Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Minister for
Lands and Natural Resources, has cautioned communities benefiting
from the Community Mining Scheme (CMS) not to engage the
services of foreigners in their activities.
The Minister emphasised that the Scheme was the preserve of
Ghanaians and that any attempt by foreigners to infiltrate the sector
would not be tolerated.
He vowed to revoke the license of any firm found to engage
foreigners at its site.
The Minister explained that government holds the position that
Ghanaians must benefit from the country’s natural resources and the
CMS was the surest way of manifesting that belief.
“We want natives and the Elders of Asante Akyem South to enjoy
maximum benefits, so I am pleading with you not to allow foreign
nationals to engage in it. This should not happen at the expense of the
natives of this town,” he maintained.
“This Community Mining Scheme is for the people of Tokwae and
Asante Akyem South. Foreigners are not allowed to participate in it.
If one foreigner is found working in this mining operation, the mining
license, which I have signed as Minister will be revoked,” he warned.
Mr Jinapor issued the stern warning during the launch of the Tokwae
Community Mining Scheme on Thursday.
He disclosed that government as part of its job creation strategy was
seeking to establish at least 50 CMS in 2022.
He stated that the new module will replace the archaic and more
harmful galamsey practices and empower mining communities
economically.
“So far, we have commissioned seven community mining schemes and
this year, under the direction of the President, we intend to
commission 50 Community Mining Schemes. Agenda 50 Mining
Community Schemes begins with Tokwae”, he said.
“Community Mining Scheme, which is done responsibly and has
regard for the environment which employs the teeming youth of the
country, is indeed an alternative to illegal small-scale mining and that is
the strategy of the Ministry.”
The Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem South, Mr Kwaku
Asante Boateng eulogized the sector Minister for showing exemplary
leadership in his role.
He urged the leaders and residents of the community to heed to the
counsel by Mr Abu Jinapor and obey the regulations governing the
CMS.
Mr Boateng was happy with the scheme, which he reckoned would
relieve the constituency of some headache with respect to
unemployment.
Nana Eyim Kum Nipa II, Omanhene of Gyadam, expressed gratitude
to the government for the initiative, which would offer job
opportunities to the teeming youth in the area and improve upon their
living standards.
He pledged the support of the chiefs and other traditional leaders in
promoting safety and enhancing security in the operations of the
scheme.
The Municipal Chief Executive of Asante Akyem South, Alexanda
Frimpong commended the government and the Ministry for
completing the processes, which had culminated to the launch of the
scheme.
He appealed to the Minister to help deal with illegal small-scale mining
activities in the area.
Prior to the launch, the Minister paid a courtesy call on the Omanhene
of the area, Nana Eyim Kum Nipa II.
