The chiefs and opinion leaders in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region have approved mining operations of Edelmetallum Resources Limited. The company has been directed to continue operations in the area having met all regulatory requirements to mine in the Asumenya Forest Reserve under the Nkawie Forest District.
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel AbuJinapor on behalf of the government of Ghana granted a mining lease to Edelmetallum Resources Limited on August 16, 2024. This was after the company warranted that it has the financial, technical and human resources required for undertaking the mining operations efficiently and has declared itself willing to engage in miming in Ghana.
The grant of the mining lease follows the fact that Ghana’s mining sector has been a significant contributor to the country’s economic growth and development. The sector is predominantly driven by gold production, with Ghana ranking as one of the top gold-producing countries in Africa.
The mining industry has attracted significant foreign investment into Ghana, which has helped to boost the country’s economic growth and significant contribution to herGross Domestic Products (GDP). The mining sector’s importance to Ghana’s economy extends beyond its contribution to GDP and employment.
The sector, which serves as a significant source of foreign exchange earnings for the country, provides employment opportunities for thousands of Ghanaians, both directly and indirectly, making it a vital source of livelihood for many families.
Otumfuo’s Twafuohene, Baffour Opoku Agyemang, Manso Abuosohene, Nana Obeng Bempah I and Mr Ebenezer Oppong, the Assemblyman for Manso Abuoso Electoral Area have all confirmed the endorsement of the chiefs for the mining company to operate in their area.
According to the chiefs, their checks with regulatory bodies, including the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicated that Edelmetallum Resources Limited has all the necessary permits and approvals to operate in our area. “We are satisfied that the company complied with all regulatory requirements”, they confided in The Chronicle.
The chiefs and opinion leaders also praised the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, citing the construction of water projects, providing support for the construction of school infrastructure, and other community development projects.
“Edelmetallum Resources Limited has been a good corporate citizen, and we have benefited significantly from their presence. We look forward to continuing to work with them for the benefit of our community,” the chiefs confirmed and added that the company is undertaking reclamation efforts on lands that have already been mined, demonstrating their commitment to environmental sustainability.
The District Chief Executive of the Amansie South District, Clement Opoku Gyamfi, also shared documents with the media, which pointed to the legality of operations of Edelmetallum Resources Limited in the area.
Mr. Abraham Essel, the District Manager of the Forest Services Division inNkawie District of the Forestry Commission, has also confirmed that the mining company has fully complied with the Commission’s requirements for reclamation and replanting of trees.
He added that the Forestry Commission would continue to monitor the company’s activities to ensure they adhere to the guidelines and protect the environment.
