Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has expressed his appreciation to President Akufo-Addo for his leadership in the management and utilization of Ghana’s natural resources.
During the Natural Resources Dialogue held in Accra on Thursday, the Minister highlighted various measures implemented by the government to ensure effective resource management.
“As always, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is grateful to the President of the Republic, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for the extraordinary leadership demonstrated in the management and utilisation of our natural resources,” Mr. Jinapor said.
These initiatives include enhancing local content and participation in the mining sector, expanding the Local Procurement List to encompass more goods and services reserved for Ghanaians, collaborating with the Ghana Chamber of Mines and the Securities and Exchange Commission to encourage large-scale mining companies to list on the Ghana Stock Exchange, and revitalizing the Obuasi mine.
According to the minister, three new large-scale mining operations, including Newmont Ahafo North in the Ahafo Region, Azumah Resources in the Upper West Region, and Cardinal Namdini in the Upper East Region, will start production within the next two years and contribute significantly to the country’s economy.
In addition, Mr. Jinapor disclosed that a technical committee is in the final stages of preparing a policy document concerning the exploration, management, and utilization of green minerals, including lithium, in Ghana.
The document will be presented to the Cabinet for consideration. The objective is to ensure that the country retains the value chain for these minerals and other future resources within its borders.
Regarding the forestry sector, the Minister highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the Ghana Forest Plantation Strategy and the Green Ghana Project. These programs have contributed to the cultivation of approximately 690,000 hectares of forest between 2017 and 2022.
Minister Jinapor said that the dialogue was aimed at discussing how to manage and utilize the country’s natural resources responsibly and sustainably.
The first day of the Natural Resources Stakeholder Dialogue ended with a call for all stakeholders to work together to manage and utilize Ghana’s natural resources responsibly and sustainably for the collective good of all.”