Hon. George Mireku Duker, Deputy Minister responsible for mining has reignite the conversations about leading gold-producing countries, particularly African countries having a direct say in the determination of the price of the commodity.
According to the Deputy Minister, the current situation where Ghana, Burkina Faso, South Africa and other countries do not have a spot at the table where such critical decisions are taken is an aberration that requires urgent rectification.
He, is, therefore appealing to leading gold producers on the continent to come together and seek direct representation at the global table where they will directly influence decisions on the commodities produced by their countries.
The Deputy Minister made this call on Thursday, 17th August 2023 when he received a delegation on behalf of the Sector Minister from Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Mines and Quarry who are in the country to inform and invite the Ministry of an upcoming mining program dubbed “West African Mining Activity Week” slated for 28th to 30th September 2023.
After briefing the delegation on the organogram of Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Deputy Minister outlined how government is seeking to transform the mining sector with creative initiatives and measures.
He explained that government’s plans for the mining sector is anchored on two things; which are value addition and the overhauling of the small-scale mining sector from an industry dominated by illegal mining activities to a responsible and sustainable industry that contributes to national development through the economic empowerment of Ghanaian locals.
Hon. Duker mentioned the establishment of GIADEC, GISDEC and government’s commitment to moving Ghana from purely a mineral producing country to a mineral processing nation.
On his part, the Minister of Mines and Quarries of Burkina Faso, Mr. Simon Pierre Boussim who led the delegation disclosed that his country faces similar mining challenges as Ghana but was impressed with the initiatives implemented by Ghana and are therefore prepared to tap from Ghana’s rich experience.
He believes that the program scheduled for September this year, is yet another opportunity for African countries to share ideas on growing the mining industry and that Ghana as a leader in the production of gold and other minerals should be an active participant.
