The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel A. Jinapor, has inaugurated the Himang Ankobrah Community Mining Scheme (CMS) in the Prestea-Huni Valley District of the Western Region.
This latest commissioning brings the total number of officially launched CMS concessions to twenty-five (25) nationwide.
The Himang Ankobrah concession, which is the third in the constituency, is anticipated to increase the number of directly created job opportunities from the government’s novel Community Mining Scheme model to 8000.
Speaking at the ceremony on Thursday, Mr Jinapor reiterated that government was not against small-scale mining but rather committed to purging the sector of its excesses to allow more sustainable and beneficial mining practices.
He explained that the small-scale mining sector play an integral role in the socio-economic development of the country, and every effort and initiative undertaken by the government was to ensure efficiency and sustainability in the harnessing of resources.
He encouraged the workers of the mine to conduct their activities in strict compliance with the laws and not extend their mining activities to protected waterbodies and forest reserves.
Mr Jinapor noted that the Himang Community Mining Scheme will significantly impact the local community and create several job opportunities for the residents.
“The Community Mining will propel the local economy of Himang and the Prestea-Huni Valley constituency. That is the noble undertaking of the CMS. We’ve established a number of concessions across the country and they have been helpful.
If we comply with the rules and undertake the mining activities with patriotism and selflessness, the entire country will benefit. I have a firm belief that the outcome from this concession will be positive and that the economy of Himan will improve greatly,” he added.
On her part, the Board chair of the Minerals Commission, Madam Barbara Oteng Gyasi said the Community Mining Scheme follows a certain process and laid down rules that must be strictly adhered to.
“CMS will reduce unemployment and help this community to grow. I want to urge everyone engaged in mining who is not licensed to make efforts and have their companies registered. The Minerals Commission is ready to assist and help the company secure the right certification to expand their companies. I’m grateful to the large-scale mining companies who ceded part of their concessions for this project,” she noted.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
