Abu Jinapor instructs Minerals Commission Board to tackle illegal small-scale mining in Ghana

Samuel Abu Jinapor in a group photo with board members

Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources instructed the newly inaugurated Minerals Commission Board to enthusiastically undertake the fight against illegal small-scale mining (galamsey)

Expressing his confidence in the chairman of the board and its members to fulfill their mandate, the minister said he and his knowledgeable team have largely held the fort in the absence of a board of directors. for the Minerals Commission, but that he strongly believes that, as this council assumes its constitutional role, it will do an even better job.

Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor reiterated the relevance of the Minerals Commission as being that which, according to Article (269) of the country’s constitution, is a body created for the purpose of managing the country’s mineral resources.

Speaking during the swearing-in of the board of directors today, Wednesday, September 8, 2021, the minister underlined his expectations and the government’s position on small-scale mining.

He said: “You have to shape a framework in which we can strike this delicate and careful balance between promoting the responsibility of small-scale mining that contributes to the economy and adjusting illegal mining. and its obvious harmful consequences ”.

He added, “The president’s policy is not to disapprove of small-scale mining, what we are opposed to is irresponsible small-scale mining.”

Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor pleaded with the newly inaugurated council not to focus too much on gold and lose sight of other minerals.

He further urged them to take over the full management of other mineral resources such as bauxite, lithium and even salt.

For his part, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Hon. Barbara Oteng-Gyasi expressed her gratitude to the Minister on behalf of the Board of Directors and pledged to serve the administration and deliver results. She also assured the Minister of the Board’s commitment to ensure that the President’s vision on industrialization and the Ghana Beyond Aid agenda is fully realized.

The other board members are the CEO of GIADEC, Martin Kwaku Ayisi, the representative of the Minerals Commission, Alhaji Iddrisu Sulemana, the Hon. Dakoa Newman, Togbui Awusu III, Hon. Charles Acheampong, Mr. James Koligu Ataki, Mr. Emmanuel Vincent (Esq.) And Ms. Judy Nakuor Crayem.