Support Bosome-Freho Community Mining Scheme – Duker
The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has urged residents of Bosome-Freho in the Ashanti Region to throw their weight behind the newly-launched Community Mining Scheme (CMS) in the area, as it has the potential of spurring socio-economic development.
He said, the scheme was likely to create more than 4,000 direct and indirect jobs, if they work in unity and adhere strictly to the mining regulations.
Speaking at the launch yesterday, the deputy minister stated that, the CMS was an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing community development.
“The Minerals Commission has approved that this concession will pose no harm to the environment. I am particularly satisfied that all the conditions necessary for licensing this scheme have been met.
“I also came with a mercury-free machine which will help mine responsibly. We should all ensure, through constant monitoring, that the regulations are adhered to,” Mr Duker said.
He emphasized that, unlike illegal mining, the CMS would not impact negatively on the environment and water bodies.
“The government through the distribution of mercury-free machines is ensuring that the activities to exploit minerals in these concessions pose no threat to the environment and the collective interest of Ghanaians.
“The success story of the CMS cannot be only evidenced in the job creation but also the trooping of other countries including South Africa, South Sudan, and United Kingdom (UK), among others to study and implement it in their respective countries,” Mr Duker stated.
The CMS, he said, was exclusively for Ghanaians and that the benefit derived were expected to help build local communities and improve the wellbeing of residents in these mining communities.
“The funds generated from the operations of the CMS can be used to embark on developmental projects that will uplift and refine the livelihoods of the people,” he added.
He, however, cautioned the miners against the smuggling of gold from Ghana saying that the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) was the only authorised agency to grade, assay, value, process, buy and sell minerals and license agents in the country.
The Chief Executive of Bosome-Freho Municipal Assembly, Kofi Adu Amoateng, noted that CMS was a laudable initiative that would complement government’s efforts to create jobs and improve the livelihoods of residents in mining communities.
“I am excited that the youth of the area will now be engaged and experience some personal growth and wealth with the arrival of the CMS,” he stated.
Akwasi Darko Boateng, Member of Parliament for Bosome-Freho, encouraged the residents to use the appropriate and designated channels such as the elders of the community to have their grievances addressed.
The Bosome-Freho concession takes the total number of CMS concessions launched to 24 across the country.
BY CLAUDE NYARKO ADAMS
