Vice President and NPP’s flag bearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has stated that the next NPP administration plans to reform the licensing regime for small-scale mining.
This move, according to him, aims to tap into the sector’s potential to employ around one million people.
He was speaking at a stakeholders’ durbar at Daboase at the start of his four-day tour of the Western Region.
The stakeholders engagement is part of the NPP Flag bearer’s nationwide community outreach which aims to connect with the people, understand their concerns, and share his vision for development.
At the durbar at Daboase in the Wassa East district, he stated that Small-scale mining is already a significant contributor to Ghana’s economy, accounting for 43% of total gold production in 2018 and 36% in 2019. It is in this regard that the next NPP government wants to tap into its potential.
“I want to reiterate that small-scale mining, when done properly, holds immense significance for our country’s economic development. In Ghana, small-scale mining accounts for 50% of our gold exports, underscoring its vital role. To ensure responsible and sustainable practices, I pledge to reform and regulate the sector if elected as president.
“I will Streamline Licensing by involving traditional authorities and local assemblies to simplify the licensing process, terminating at the Minerals Commission. Also Engaging the Geological Survey Authority to identify gold-rich areas, minimizing environmental destruction.”
“By implementing these measures, we can harness the potential of small-scale mining while protecting our environment,” he assured.
The Chief of Sekyere Hemang and acting President of Wassa Fiase Traditional Area, Nana Kwadu Kyerefo III, who was concerned about the poor quality of work done by some party affiliated road contractors, urged Dr. Bawumia to consider a more merit-based approach in awarding road construction contracts.
He also called for the completion of stalled projects in the district.
“Mr. Vice President, as you seek the presidency, we implore you to prioritize completing stalled projects in our district, particularly the modern market initiated by former President Kufuor, which has remained unfinished since 2008. Additionally, we urge you to address the deplorable state of our roads”.
“We appeal to you to reconsider awarding road construction contracts solely based on party affiliations. This practice has led to subpar projects, as many party contractors lack the necessary expertise to deliver quality work. Instead, we advocate for a merit-based approach, ensuring competent contractors are selected to provide top-notch infrastructure for our community”.
At the Shama Constituency, Dr. Bawumia again talked about his policies and how the next NPP government will move Ghana to the next level in development. The acting President of Shama Traditional Council, Nana Kwamina Wieno II, expressed disappointment over the government’s inaction on constructing the Shama polyclinic, despite cutting the sod in August 2020. This project’s stagnation has left the community without much-needed healthcare infrastructure.
“We’re deeply concerned about the stalled hospital project in our area. Our chiefs generously provided the land, and the sod-cutting ceremony took place in August 2020, but since then, no progress has been made. Despite assurances that funds are available, the project isn’t part of the Agenda 111 initiative. We’re in a similar situation as La General Hospital, which faced delays until demonstrations prompted action. We urge you, as our future president, to complete this project. The landowners are pressing us to reclaim their property, and we can’t afford further delays”.
“We plead with you to address these concerns and complete the hospital project, ensuring our community receives the healthcare services they deserve”. He pleaded.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
The post Mining sector will employ over 1m people under my presidency – Bawumia first appeared on 3News.
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