‘Govt committed to sustainable devt of mining communities’

The Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) has reiterated government’s commitment to promote cooperation at the various mines to drive sustainable development of mining communities.

Michael Ansah, Chief Executive Officer, GIADEC, explained that mining, which plays a critical role in the development of the country, could only be done effectively and efficiently when all stakeholders work together with common goals and objectives.

He was speaking at Awaso in the Western North Region when the Board of GIADEC and other government officials in the area paid a working visit to Ghana Bauxite Company Ltd. (GBC).

The delegation also included the Municipal Chief Executive of Bibiani-Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipal Authority (BABMA), Alfred Amuah, and a representation from the Sefwi Bekwai Police Command led by Superintendent Isaac Baah.

The visit followed recent industrial unrest involving a section of its workforce, resulting in damage to buildings, vehicles and other property at GBC.

Mr Ansah thanked all stakeholders who had collaborated and supported the process to resolve the dispute.

Explaining the establishment of GIADEC under Act 976 (2018), and the role the Corporation was expected to play in the Integrated Aluminium Industry, he stressed the importance of the company, workers and the community working together to establish a strong industrial relation base to the benefit of all stakeholders.

Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resource, Benito Owusu Bio, said the government was committed to promoting sustainable development and prosperity for the people of Awaso.

General Manager of GBC Ltd, J.K Fang, said owning to interventions by the Omanhene, Nana Kwame Amponsah III, and the District Security Council, (DISEC), together with representatives of the Construction and Building Materials Workers’ Union of TUC, peace had prevailed and the company has resumed mining operations. 

With regard to security, Supt. Amuah said the Police had made good progress with their investigations, and some of the perpetrators of the destruction had already been arrested.

Additionally, security in the Company’s premises had also been ramped up to ensure the safety of staff and their current operations, he stated.

Nana Kwame Amponsah said the chiefs would continue to provide support to the activities of GBC and assured that he will work with the youth in the community to ensure the safety of their staff and operations.

BY TIMES REPORTER