The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has challenged large-scale mining companies operating in the Talensi District to invest in training and developing young people from host communities.
He said although he was impressed with the scale of operations of the two companies, Earl International Gold Ghana and Cardinal Namdini, he expects to see stronger efforts in building local capacity within the mining sector.
The minister expressed hope that on his next visit, the companies would be able to showcase success stories of local youth who have been trained and risen through the ranks to occupy key positions.
“I want to come back here and have the companies say that these are the young people from these areas that we picked. We took them when they had no experience, but we supported and educated them, and now we have mining engineers who are managers. That is transferring expertise to Ghanaians. That is building the capacity of Ghanaians so that even when the mines are finished, we know that we have experienced miners from the area,” he said.
Mr. Buah made the remarks during visits to the two mining companies and engagements with stakeholders in the extractive sector as part of a one-day working visit to the Upper East Region.
He noted that the visit exposed him to several challenges affecting mining operations, particularly the issue of illegal mining.
“There are incursions into their concessions. We have outlined solutions to addressing these concerns,” he said.
According to the minister, one of the key strategies to address illegal mining is the implementation of community mining initiatives proposed by the government.
He commended the Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, for his support and constructive engagement on the issue.
“He is committed to working with government on our community mining initiative. The mining companies are also committed to supporting and training people within the community mining framework,” he added
