Wednesday 2nd April , 2014 8:14 pm
Dr. Tony Aubynn
Dr Steve Manteaw, Campaign Coordinator of Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) says the appointment of Dr. Tony Aubynn to the position of CEO of the Minerals Commission is good and advantageous to the industry.
”Given that he is very qualified, very experienced in the industry; I think that he has certain skills and ability which at one time was bought by Tullow, Goldfields and later by the Ghana Chamber of Mines [his former employer], I think the government sees the value in him…”’
According to him Dr Aubynn brings anunderstanding of the extractive industry to his new position. ”Getting a person who really knows the workings of the industry could in the long term play to the advantage of Ghana.”
Some Ghanaians have questioned the decision to appoint of Dr. Tony Aubynn in the public after his dealings with the private sector.
But Dr. Manteaw in an interview on Eyewitness News said the value of Dr. Aubynn cannot be discounted just because he worked in the private sector. ”Lets see what he brings to the table, lets actually watch his performance before we pronounce judgement,” he added.
Meanwhile a legal practitioner, Yaw Acheampong on his part also said the appointment of the former CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines to the Minerals Commission will not affect his work in any way, contrary to public outcry that because he [ Dr. Aubynn] had been at the Chamber of Mines he might not be favourably disposed to certain policies with regard to the mining industry, which might not be favourable to the mining industry at the Minerals Commission.
Lawyer Acheampong believed that because he has been in the industry,”he will in the position to formulate the requisite policies to [guide] the industry and also because he has been there before he is likely to know in much detail the intricacies of the industry and how to advise the government properly.”
He concluded that Dr Tony Aubynn will be only be required help the government formulate the requisite policies for the regulation and management of Ghana’s natural resources.
President John Dramani Mahama appointed Dr. Toni Aubynn as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Minerals Commission with immediate effect.
Among other roles, Dr. Aubynn is to assist the government’s drive to harmonise views among all key stakeholders as major inputs in the new direction the government seeks to plot for the local mining industry.
He replaces Mr, Benjamin Aryee, who after 30 years of service at the Commission — 13 of which were in the capacity of its Chief Executive — moves to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
By: Evans Effah/citifmonline.com/Ghana