Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources responsible for mining, George Mireku Duker, has reignite the conversations about the need for leading gold-producing countries, particularly African countries to have direct say in the determination of the price of the commodity.
According to him, the current situation where Ghana, Burkina Faso, South Africa and other countries do not have a spot at the table where such critical decisions are taken is an aberration that requires urgent rectification.
The deputy minister who is also Member of Parliament for Tarkwa Nsuaem in the Western region has accordingly urged leading gold producers on the continent to come together and seek direct representation at the global table where they will directly influence decisions on the commodities produced by their countries.
The lawmaker made the call on August 17, 2023 when he received a delegation on behalf of the Sector Minister from Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Mines and Quarry.
The Burkinabe delegation were in the country to inform and invite Ghana for its upcoming mining program dubbed “West African Mining Activity Week” slated for 28th to 30th September 2023.
Mr Duker briefed the delegation on the organogram of Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and outlined how government is seeking to transform the mining sector with creative initiatives.
He explained that government’s plans for the mining sector is anchored on value addition and the overhauling of the small-scale mining sector from an industry dominated by illegal mining activities to a responsible and sustainable industry that contributes to national development through the economic empowerment of Ghanaian locals.
The minister mentioned the establishment of GIADEC, GISDEC and government’s commitment to moving Ghana from purely a mineral producing country to a mineral processing nation.
On his part, the Minister of Mines and Quarries of Burkina Faso, Mr. Simon Pierre Boussim disclosed that his country faces similar mining challenges as Ghana but was impressed with the initiatives implemented by Ghana and are therefore prepared to tap from Ghana’s rich experience.
He believes that the program scheduled for September this year, is yet another opportunity for African countries to share ideas on growing the mining industry and that Ghana as a leader in the production of gold and other minerals should be an active participant.
