A one-day retreat for mining-related agencies under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has been held in Accra on Thursday 26th January 2023.
The retreat which is a sub-sector version of a general one for all Agencies and outfits under the Ministry seeks to bring all institutional heads and management of the mining sector agencies under one umbrella to share knowledge on their actionable plans for the year.
Delivering the statement of purpose on behalf of the sector Minister, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mining, Hon. George Mireku DUKER called on all mining agencies to be mindful of the current economic hardship the country faces and also consider cutting down costs to mitigate the current economic tension.
He believes that some level of sacrifice and commitment will help reduce the cost implications in the country.
He further called for a haircut on allowances within mining agencies as a means to help save the country money.
Hon Duker further commended the agencies for a good performance in 2022 but reminded them of the arduous task ahead.
He explained that 2023 is important because they have to undertake a number of crucial projects with very limited budgets due to the economic situation in the country and beyond.
He advised that they will have to employ cost-cutting measures and remain committed to them to ensure that in the face of financial challenges, they still manage to make a significant impact.
“I am confident that the retreat will help finetune your plans, work together and leave legacies in their respective areas”, he said
The Chief Director of the Ministry, Professor Patrick Agbesinyale commended the agencies for their participation and indicated that some of the outcomes of the retreat will be factored into the general retreat by the Ministry later this year.
He is optimistic that the forum will serve its purpose of being a problem-sharing and solving platform and a structured system for the agencies to deliver remarkably in the year.
The participating agencies at the maiden session were the Minerals Commission, Geological Survey Authority, Precious Minerals Marketing Company, Minerals Development Fund, Ghana Integrated Aluminum Development Corporation, and Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation.
The rest are The National Alternative Livelihood Employment Programme and the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale mining project.
Story by:Kwaku Stephen
