The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art office complex for the Minerals Commission in Akim Oda.
This new facility aims to enhance the commission’s monitoring and regulatory activities within the Birim Central Municipality and the broader Eastern Region.
In his address at the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, Mr Jinapor emphasized that the establishment of this well-equipped office is part of the government’s broader strategy to decentralize the operations of the Minerals Commission, bringing their services closer to mining operators and local communities.
Highlighting the history and importance of the Akim Oda office, Mr. Jinapor mentioned that it is among the first offices to be established in the country. He underscored that the construction of this modern office signifies the Akufo-Addo administration’s dedication to rejuvenating the mining sector by fostering sustainable and environmentally responsible mining practices.
The new office is expected to significantly enhance the Minerals Commission’s ability to effectively supervise mining activities in Akim Oda and its surrounding areas.
Furthermore, the Minister announced that under President Akufo-Addo’s administration, the reach of the Minerals Commission has expanded considerably. This expansion includes the construction of four new district offices, twelve satellite offices, and two observatory offices, illustrating the government’s commitment to strengthening the regulatory framework for the mining sector.
“In addition to overseeing small-scale mining operations in Akim Oda, this office will supervise mining activities in Akwatia, Anyinam, Osinor, Asamantafo, Kade, Adankrono, among others. These areas have a long history of community mining. I am pleased that we have been able to construct this multi-purpose edifice for the people of Akim Oda.
“I am informed that the construction has been completed to standard, and measures have been put in place to ensure that the office is properly maintained for effective service delivery,” he said.
Mr. Jinapor thrilled the audience by announcing the upcoming launch of the Community Mining Scheme (CMS) in Akim Oda. He highlighted that the construction of the new office has set the stage for establishing a CMS concession.
He also recognized the Member of Parliament for Akim Oda, Alexander Kwasi Aquah, for his instrumental role in making the office and the CMS a reality, and assured the gathering that the concession would be announced soon.
“With this fully furnished office commissioned, I want to assure you that Akim Oda will soon have a community mining scheme. The MP has been persistent, and I am here to announce that Akim Oda will soon benefit from a Community Mining Scheme. This office will definitely monitor the operations of the Community Mining Scheme.”
Chairperson of the Minerals Commission Board, Barbara Oteng Gyasi, stated, “We were tasked by the president to regularize mining to benefit every Ghanaian and protect our environment. To achieve that, we had to expand our offices across the country to be closer to the mining companies, especially the small-scale mining companies, to effectively monitor their activities.
The Minerals Commission undertook an expansion project to increase our district, regional, and satellite officers across the country. We recognize that the Eastern Region is critical in our mining footprint, and to effectively monitor all activities, we must ensure that Minerals Commission offices are present in many areas of the Eastern Region.”
Oseadieyo Dr. Frimpong Manso IV, the Paramount Chief of the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Area, expressed his delight at the upcoming Community Mining Scheme (CMS) and commended the Lands Minister for addressing the requests of the MP and the local residents.
He highlighted the importance of mining as a key economic activity for the community and pledged to ensure strict adherence to the country’s mining regulations.
The two-story office, which began construction in 2022 and is estimated to cost GH¢5 million, includes four washrooms, two large storerooms, a kitchen on each floor, a conference hall, and other amenities designed to enhance the welfare of the staff and enable them to perform their duties with the highest efficiency.