From Sebastian R Freiku, Kumasi
OVER 300 illegal Miners died as a result of frequent mine accidents in 2011 and 2012, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini has announced at the expanded council meeting of the Ghana chamber of mines in Kumasi
The Minister expressed worried over the manner in which illegal mining activities with the involvement of foreigners has risen in recent times.
He said the illegal miners operate close to local communities in the full glare of all the stakeholders even though their operations are having a serious security implications to the nation.
The minister stressed that minerals by nature are not replaceable and thus should be exploited for the benefit of the country and children yet unborn.
Alhaji Fuseini hinted that the mining sector attracted a little over US$2 billion of foreign direct investment in mineral exploration and mine development during the last decade.
The Chief Executive officer of Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr. Tony Aubynn lamented that the general perception that mining has not made any meaningful contribution to Ghana’s economy is not based on any scientific proof and suggested that an independent and objective scientific research must be conducted into the claim.
According to him, there seems to be too much emotions and sensationalism when talking about mining in Ghana and commended the government on his strong advocacy for dialogue between the public and the private sector.
Dr. Tony Aubynn also lauded the quick response by government of the development of national mining policy and community development fund and called for a speedy expedition of the said Interventions.
Mr. Dan Owiredu, President of the Chamber of Mines reiterated the Chamber’s commitment in showing leadership in the area of local content development by sourcing a lot the inputs from the local markets.