The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh has stated that the government of Ghana has instituted measures to realise the full benefits of the nation’s mineral resources. Hon Asomah-Cheremeh made the statement at the International Mining Ministers Summit held as part of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada mining Conference (PDAC) underway in Toronto-Canada.

The PDAC, which is an annual meeting of global players in the minerals sector is regarded as a vital platform that offers an opportunity for stakeholders in the industry to network. This year, the Mining Ministers at the conference are meeting on the theme: “Diversify to create Sustainable Development in Mining Communities”.

Sector Ministers from Ghana, Canada, Chile, Morocco, Ethopia South Africa among others are hopeful that the outcome of the Summit will, among others, help the decision makers in their respective countries to facilitate and coordinate the contribution of other stakeholders for the improvement of mining communities across the world.

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Hon. Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh (left)

Addressing his counterparts, Hon. Asomah Cheremeh stated that: “ [Ghana] Government will foster closer collaboration with stakeholders in the mining industry to ensure that all resources available to Ghana are efficiently utilised for the benefit of the present and future generations.”

He intimated that concerns about the limited development of the African continent, especially in countries dependent on mineral resources, spurred the African Heads of State and Government in the AU to adopt the African Mining Vision (AMV) as a continental blueprint for mineral led development.

The AMV seeks to integrate Africa’s mineral sector into the continent’s social and economic development process through creating a diversified and globally competitive African mineral industry which contributes to broad economic and social growth.

Ghana as a Major Gold Mining Destination

Ghana remains the second largest gold producer in Africa. It produced 101.7 tons of bullion in 2017, up 7 tons from the previous year. Ghana has rich mineral resources. In fact, Ghana’s mining industry alone accounts for more than 5% of its GDP and 37% of exports.

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Gold contributes more than 30% of its total exports. The country is also a major producer of diamonds, bauxite, and manganese. More recently, President Akufo-Addo has been touting the country’s Lithium prospects and has invited prospective investors tap the resource.

The government has also set up the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Corporation to establish the full value chain of the product so that the nation could have a vibrant aluminium industry.

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