Canadian High Commissioner visits Minerals Commission

The Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ms. Heather Cameron, has urged the Minerals Commission Board to focus on diversifying the Ghanaian mining sector.

Ms. Cameron indicated that she is excited about the enthusiasm of the board and what it has set out to achieve for the mining sector.

Ms. Cameron, indicated that the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) is the largest source of gold mining financing in the world - and since junior exploration is key to Canada and Ghana alike, the High Commission will continue to explore investments in that direction into Ghana.

She indicated that Ghana’s relationship with the TSX is mission critical because of attracting scarce exploration capital.

The Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana informed the Board that she has already paid a visit to the George Grant University of Mines and Technology (GGUMaT), Tarkwa, and is happy with the mining curricular being run - and has therefore initiated collaboration with two Canadian Universities in the areas of Finance, Management and Environmental Science.

The High Commissioner is also happy about Ghana’s participation in this year’s Predators & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) mining investment expo in Toronto.

The Board Chairman of the Minerals Commission, Samuel K. Boafo, explained that Ghana has had a long relationship with Canada, especially as both are members of the Commonwealth.

According to Mr. Boafo, one of the objectives of the Board is to engage all key stakeholders in the mining industry to identify issues, and subsequently facilitate government’s intervention to ensure optimal contributions from the mining industry to both investors and the country.

The Board Chairman of the Minerals Commission, S.K. Boafo, has confirmed that the Board is ready to work to achieve the President’s agenda of ‘Ghana Beyond Aid’.

He called for support in building the capacity of the Minerals Commission staff, so that they can deliver their mandate.

On the issue of VAT on exploration, which has been a major concern for industry players, the Board Chairman assured that they are working with relevant agencies to resolve issue.

The Minerals Commission Board has met with some key stakeholders, including the Parliamentary Select Committee on Mines and Energy, the Australian High Commissioner, Ghana Chamber of Mines, the Embassy of The Russian Federation in Ghana, Paramount Chief of Ada Traditional area, and South African High Commissioner to Ghana.