The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. George Mireku Duker has announced the commitment of the government to create enabling environment for salt-mining firms in the Ada area to flourish.
Hon. Mireku Duker made this known when he paid a courtesy call on the Ada Traditional Council on Friday, March 25, 2022.
Disclosing the purpose of his visit, Hon. Duker said it has become necessary for the government to fraternize and obtain first-hand experience of issues in the locality in order to make informed and fair decisions on certain developments regarding the mining of salt at the Songhor Lagoon. (www.contentbeta.com)
He said the government has set out to empower Ghanaian investors in the mining industry and that his engagement with the chiefs is to deliberate on achieving that in the Ada area.
The Deputy Lands Minister emphasized that enhancing local representation is one sure way of entrusting the future of the mining industry into the hands of Ghanaians which he believes will culminate in the growth of the Ghanaian economy.
According to him, his visit also forms part of measures by the government to resolve the impasse between a section of the traditional authorities and Electrochem Ghana Limited over the mining of salt at the Songhor Lagoon.
He stated that salt mining, especially on a large -scale offers the country significant benefits and it is important that proactive steps are taken to resolve the problem.
“Our purpose is to fraternize with you and also to encourage you to support the government as to the need for us to strengthen the natural resource base of the country. Fortunately for us, we are endowed with resources. Our focus is not only to enhance gold mining, diamond, and manganese but also deepen the salt industry”.
“Songhor has existed for ages but its operations have not made a significant impact on the economy, so we want to find out and resolve to have some form of positive impact on our economy” he stressed.
“As a Ministry, it is our duty to create the enabling environment for investors who are determined to support and build local people to champion their vision. The President of the Republic has tasked us to build local champions within the mining industry so we are more than ready to support indigenes to build the mining industry,” he said.
The Spokesperson for the Council, Nene Lomo IV- Divisional Chief of Lomobiawe accused a member of the chieftaincy group in the area of masterminding what he perceives to be negative and false reportage about Electrochem.
As part of his visit to the Ada area, Hon. Duker paid a courtesy call on the DCE for the Ada West District, Hon. Sampson Kpankpah.
In a brief remark, Hon. Duker commended the DCE and the Assembly for their efforts at dealing with the issues so far, relating to Electrochem and a section of the community members and encouraged them to continue serving the country.
On his part, Hon. Sampson Kpankpah expressed great appreciation to the Deputy Minister and assured him that his visit will help resolve some pertinent issues in the community and restore peace for the overall development of the area.
Story by: Kwaku Stephen
