The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of mines, George Mireku Duker, has called on the private sector to partner with the government to develop the mining sector.
He said the government is determined to make Ghana the focal point of mineral activities in Africa, adding that, that could only be realized through a deliberate and constructive relationship between the government and the private sector.
He made this statement at the Pre-Indaba Cocktail Networking event held on Wednesday in Accra.
According to the Deputy Minister, Ghana cannot become the centre of mining activity in the sub-region unless the public and private sectors work together to “develop an indigenous mine support service industry that can support the mining industry in West Africa and beyond and also develop the expertise of our exploration sector to provide exploratory services to the rest of the sub-region.”
Mr Mireku Duker stated that the partnership must result in financial sector restructuring in Ghana to create an environment conducive to the mobilization of funds for mining activities.
He noted that as the investment environment becomes more competitive than ever, the country must highlight and strengthen areas where it has a competitive advantage and sell those projects to the investor community.
On her part, Her Excellency Grace Jeanet Mason, South African High Commissioner to Ghana, praised Ghana for its efforts to combat illegal mining.
She gave an overview of the 2023 Investing in African Mining Indaba, disclosing that over 6500 delegates from 92 countries comprising Ministers and mining executives would participate in the programme.
Activities earmarked for this year’s Mining Indaba include the Ministerial Symposium, a Workshop on Harnessing Critical Minerals to Accelerate Economic Growth, an Engagement with Australian investors and captains of industry, Business to Government Dialogue, and a Ghana Study Event.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
