The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker on Thursday, June 30, 2022, inaugurated Mining Committees for 17 districts in the Ashanti Region in line with section 92 of the Minerals and Mining Act (703), 2006 which will among others assist the various district offices of the Minerals Commission to promote responsible and sustainable mining in their jurisdictions.

The Districts Mining Committees includes the Obuasi Municipal, Akrofuom District, Amansie South, Obuasi East, Adansi North, Bekwai Municipal, Amansie West, Amansie Central and Adansi Asokwa.

The rest are Asante Akim Central, Asante Akim South, Bosome Freho, Ahafo Ano North, Ahafo Ano South East, Atwima Nwabiagya South, Atwima Nwabiagya North and Adansi South respectively.

Delivering a speech at the swearing-in of the committee members, Mr Duker charged the Committee members to work hard and achieve the purpose for which they were appointed.

He tasked the members that their core duty is to supervise the mining architecture in their respective districts and to regularize all small-scale mining activities in their districts and view their appointment as a rare opportunity for them to contribute to the growth of the county.

Speaking on behalf of the Sector Minister, Mr Duker said government is determined to create local giants in the mining sector and there are concrete plans that will create the enabling environment for Ghana to benefit hugely from its mineral resources just like South Africa.

In order to achieve the above mentioned objectives, he said government is committed on its continuous efforts to regularize the small scale mining industry.

Stressing on the importance of the committees, he stated that the committee will see to the protection of the water bodies in their respective districts.

Mr Duker restated the resolve of government to deal ruthlessly with illegal small-scale mining, stressing that the Operation Halt II is in full forces.

To augment the works of the anti-galamsey task force, the Deputy Lands Minister announced that government has trained River Guards who would soon be deployed to guard various water bodies in the country.

He charged the members and the mining communities that they owe the states a civic responsibility to arrest persons who engage in illegal mining.

Relaying government’s lofty plans for the committee members, he mentioned that government, through the World Bank program would provide training for members and players in the small-scale mining industry.

Speaking on behalf of the committee members, the Dean of Ashanti Regional MMDCEs, Alexander Frimpong thanked the government for the appointment and assured that they will welcome the challenge and execute it to perfection.