Small scale miners must respect mining laws -DCE

From Ernest Best Anane, Bibiani

 

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District in the Western Region, Adansi Bonah, has advised stakeholders in the mining industry to abide by the new laws and regulations in the sector.

He told media practitioners that some of the stakeholders were not obeying the laws and regulations of the mining industry, thereby destroy river bodies and degrading the environment, contrary to the provisions of the mining laws.

Adansi Bonah raised this concern at a two-day sensitisation workshop on the new mining regulations at Bibiani, organised by mining companies and the Minerals Commission for media practitioners.

The DCE pointed to illegal mining by both indigenes and foreigners, and lack of knowledge of the existing mining laws and regulations, as well as delayed payment of compensation, as some of the key challenges facing his administration.

He thanked the Minerals Commission for selecting the Bibiani-Anhwiso-Bekwai District to host the sensitisation workshop to educate stakeholders on the new mining regulations.

A member of the Minerals Commission Board, Mr. Awuah Nyamekye, appealed to stakeholders to abide by the rules and regulations of the mining industry, which thrust was to ensure that Ghanaians were employed and trained to assume management positions in the mining industry.

He disclosed that in 2011 alone, the sector contributed 27.6% to total government revenue, and 42% of total foreign exports, among others.

 

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