The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, has inaugurated the Himang Ankobrah Community Mining Scheme (CMS) in the Prestea-Huni Valley District of the Western Region.
This marks the twenty-fifth (25th) officially launched CMS concession nationwide.
The Himang Ankobrah concession, the third in the constituency, is expected to create up to 8,000 direct job opportunities through the government’s innovative Community Mining Scheme model.
Addressing chiefs and residents from Himang Ankobrah and surrounding areas, Samuel A. Jinapor reiterated the government’s support for small-scale mining.
He emphasized the administration’s commitment to reforming the sector to ensure sustainable and beneficial mining practices, purging it of excesses.
He highlighted the vital role of the small-scale mining sector in the country’s socio-economic development, underscoring that every government effort and initiative is aimed at enhancing efficiency and sustainability in resource exploitation.
Mr. Samuel Jinapor urged the mine workers to comply strictly with laws and avoid encroaching on protected water bodies and forest reserves.
He expressed confidence that the Himang Community Mining Scheme will have a significant positive impact on the local community, creating numerous job opportunities for residents.
“The Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government is not against small-scale mining. We went to grow the sector so anyone who claims that we are against small-scale mining is peddling falsehood. Our mission is to protect our rivers and forest reserves and also ensuring that everyone benefits from what God has given us. We want to create opportunities for everyone here.
“The Community Mining will propel the local economy of Himang and the Prestea-Huni Valley constituency. That is the noble undertaking of the CMS. We’ve established a number of concessions across the country and they have been helpful.
“If we comply with the rules and undertake the mining activities with patriotism and selflessness, the entire country will benefit. I have a firm belief that the outcome from this concession will be positive and that the economy of Himan will improve greatly.
Speaking at the same event, the Board Chair of the Minerals Commission and New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary candidate for the area said, “The Community Mining Scheme follows a certain process and laid down rules so we adhere to it. I’m grateful to the large-scale mining companies who ceded part of their concessions for this project.
“CMS will reduce unemployment and help this community to grow. I want to urge everyone engaged in mining who is not licensed to make efforts and have their companies registered. The Minerals Commission is ready to assist and help the company secure the right certification to expand their companies.
Nana Nteboah Prah IV, the chief of Himan Ankobrah, described the arrival of CMS in his town as a remarkable development in the history of his community.