The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has inaugurated an ultra-modern office equipped with the latest technology at Bibiani.
This new facility will oversee the mining activities in the Bibiani/Anhwiaso/Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region.
The newly constructed office is a testament to the government’s commitment to decentralizing the Minerals Commission and will enhance the commission’s ability to provide effective oversight in the Western North Region and beyond.
Addressing a gathering of traditional authorities, management, staff of the Minerals Commission, and local residents, Hon. Jinapor stressed the importance of having a well-equipped building for the efficient regulation of mining activities in the region.
He outlined the specific features that make the new office an ideal hub for mining-related operations and urged the staff to meet the high expectations of the commission.
“Despite the importance of this Office to the mining industry, it has been accommodated in a very small rented chamber and hall office space for more than thirty (30) years. This, obviously, impeded the recruitment of new staff to augment the work of the office,” Mr. Jinapor remarked.
“With three (3) large scale mining operations within this Municipality at Awaso, Bibiani, and Chirano, it became necessary to secure a more conducive working space for the Commission to effectively regulate mining operations in this area, and to provide the full spectrum of mining-related monitoring services, not just for small-scale mining, but also large-scale mining operations.”
He continued, “With two Satellite Offices in Nkwawie and Juaboso, I have no doubt that this Office will live up to its mandate.”
The Minister also used the occasion to reiterate the government’s zero tolerance for illegal small-scale mining, emphasizing the various measures taken to rid the sector of illegality, especially in areas near forest reserves and river bodies.
“I want to use this opportunity to reaffirm Government’s unflinching commitment to the fight against this canker, which, undoubtedly, threatens our very existence. This commitment, we have demonstrated through several initiatives such as the declaration of water bodies as Red Zones for mining…and the training of judges to ensure strict enforcement of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995.”
He acknowledged the ongoing challenge posed by illegal mining, stating, “We are aware that what we are dealing with is money, and the cartels involved will always try to find ways of outwitting us. But we will not relent on our efforts…to protect our water bodies, environment, and Forest Reserves.”
Chairperson of the Minerals Commission, Hon. Barbara Oteng-Gyasi, also praised the new office, noting its potential to address service delivery challenges faced by small-scale miners in the area. She added that the facility would bolster the commission’s ability to monitor and enforce compliance.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, Paramount Chief of Sehwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area and President of the National House of Chiefs, commended the government’s initiatives to tackle illegal mining and urged traditional leaders to assist in protecting the country’s mining resources.
The Bibiani Minerals Commission office is the third modernized facility unveiled in the last four months, with ongoing construction of additional offices in Kumasi, Tamale, and Bole expected to be completed by November 2024.
