BY: Francis Abedi
Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, has urged the Minerals Commission to ensure that the review of the Mining Act and the Mining Policy benefits all Ghanaians, especially those in mining communities. He emphasized the need for transparency and fairness in the licensing process, particularly concerning land allocation for mining activities. Otumfuo was addressing the first meeting of the Ashanti Region House of Chiefs for the year in Kumasi.
The meeting of the Ashanti Region House of Chiefs hosted officials from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission. The Minerals Commission is engaging with industry experts and other stakeholders, including the regional houses of chiefs, to solicit inputs towards the review of the Minerals and Mining Act and the Mining Policy. The review aims to align the mining policy and legislation with new global trends in response to evolving industry challenges and opportunities. Briefing the House, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Yussif Sulemana, said the policy review demonstrates the government’s dedication to modernizing the country’s mining legislation.
“Under the leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, the President of the Republic of Ghana is committed to ensuring that this time the review of the Act corrects the imbalances to allow Ghanaians to benefit from it all,” he stated.
Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, urged the Minerals Commission to ensure that the review benefits all Ghanaians, especially those in the mining communities.
“This time, if the Minerals Commission is to license for mining, I urge that they prioritize giving it to the people of Ghana, and if foreigners want it, they should be made to partner instead,” he emphasized.
At the meeting, the Paramount Chief of Juaben and a former Chairman of the Council of State, Nana Otuo Sereboe, was sworn in to replace the late Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu, at the National House of Chiefs.
