‘Mining activities need to be properly regulated’

A board-member of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Awuah Nyamekye, has said, there is need for the nation to work together to ensure that the social and environmental impacts resulting from mining activities are properly regulated and managed.

“There should be active collaboration to make sure that mining is carried out in a more responsible manner.”

Mr. Nyamekye was speaking at a two-day sensitisation workshop on minerals and mining regulations at Bibiani in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District.

It was the fourth in a series of nationwide forums held to educate and help stakeholders to have better understanding of the new regulations enacted in June.

Mr. Nyamekye recounted the significant contribution of the mining sector to the nation’s economy, adding that the new laws are meant to -- among other benefits -- strengthen the “local content in our mining industry”.

“Ghanaians should not only be employed and trained to assume managerial positions in the mining companies to take over from the expatriate staff.  The local industries must also have similar opportunities to the other global businesses for participation in various procurement processes,” he remarked.