Mining & Petroleum forum to harmonise natural resource countries

The maiden Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Mining & Petroleum Forum (ECOMOF) aimed at harmonising natural resources to benefit member-countries has been launched.

The first forum/exhibition of the ECOWAS mining and petroleumis scheduled for 6th – 8th October 2015 in Accra is under the theme ‘Harnessing West Africa’s mining and oil resources through regional cooperation’.

The forum aims among other things, to enhance the Community’s mining and oil potentials, promote regional socio-economic integration, develop artisanal and small-scale mining, and create geological, mining and oil databases in the ECOWAS member-states.

Ghana was chosen to host the 1st edition of the forum due to its significant contribution to harmonisation of the ECOWAS mining policies and programmes and its huge mining experience.

Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Nii Osah Mills, launching the event in Accra, reaffirmed the commitment to the fundamental principle that extractive resources are finite and must be managed prudently for the fulfilment of material and social needs, and aspirations of present and future generations of Africa’s peoples.

He said the extractive industry plays a very important role in development agenda of minerals-endowed nations in Africa, adding that “African Mining Vision (AMV) and its related analytical and policy frameworks as well as implementation plans are important to reorganising the political economy of mining in African countries”.

Dr. Bangoura Morlaye, Commissioner, Energy & Mines ECOWAS Commission said the forum will convene the ECOWAS ministers of the mining sector, as well as public and private decision-makers operating in the West African mining and oil industries.

He explained that the ECOMOF 2015 edition will involve interactive workshops, training sessions, plenary sessions, trade shows, country presentations, visits to industries as well as roundtables aimed at highlighting and promoting the development of mining and oil resources in West Africa.

ECOMOF was institutionised by the Authority of Heads of State and Government on the proposal of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers and on the recommendation of the ECOWAS Ministers of Mining Resources.