The government has reaffirmed its commitment to undertaking reforms in the mining sector to create avenues for Ghanaians to participate in the mining space.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel A. Jinapor, who said this when he commissioned two modernized settlement communities for residents of New Biung and New Accra in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region, added that the government intends to make Ghana a mining hub by establishing refineries in the country.
Addressing a gathering of chiefs and residents at the ceremony last Friday, the minister commended the mining firm, Cardinal Namdini for delivering on the resettlement plan it agreed on with the Ministry and the Minerals Commission.
He stated that the communities have basic yet important amenities such as a healthcare facility; two schools with accommodation for teachers, three places of worship, electricity to all residential, and public buildings as well as street-lighting, potable water and gravel roads.
He assured the residents of the government’s determination to make mining firms operate within the confines of the mining law and appealed to the communities to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities.
Mr Jinapor maintained that the relationship between the firm and communities must be strengthened to ensure a mutually beneficial and successful operation in the area. He, therefore, urged the firm to undertake more development projects in the area and make growth a key part of its operations.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to undertaking reforms in the mining sector that will increase avenues for Ghanaian participation in the mining space, adding that the government intends to make Ghana a mining hub by establishing refineries and also ensuring efficient utilization of revenue from the mining sector.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Cardinal Namdini, Luis Santana said the economic empowerment of the community members was part of the company’s operations and stressed that it was the strategic objective of the company to empower residents by activating projects and policies aimed at developing the socio-economic architecture of the communities.
He disclosed that the company was working with an NGO, “Widow and Orphans Movement” to provide relevant support to the residents as they transition through the resettlement phase.
The eco-friendly and well-laid-out community constructed by Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited was in adherence with the Minerals and Mining Act of 2006 (Act 703) and the Minerals and Mining (Compensation and Resettlement) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2175) which enjoins mining companies to resettle persons affected by their mining operations.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
