Special Assistant to the Depuy Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, Gomashie Wisdom has charged Traditional leaders and residents of the Buem Traditional Area in the Jasikan district of the Oti Region of Ghana to leverage on iron ore resources to develop the constituency.
He made these remarks while speaking at the second anniversary of the instalment of Nana Edje Tete Kpase-Brantuo VII as the Chief of Jasikan & Adontenhene of the Buem Traditional Area.
Mr. Gomashie Wisdom he said "Mr Chairman, at this juncture, I would love to draw into the controversies surrounding the discovery of iron ore in the Oti Region. The statements are my personal opinion as a trained Mining Engineer and should not be associated with anyone.
The statement revealed that mining in Ghana dates back Pre-Colonial era and has remained a vital backbone of the Ghanaian economy and currently accounts for an average of 5% of its GDP, 40% of total merchandise exports and is a critical foreign exchange earner for Ghana.
He also revealed that gold accounts for some 90% of Ghana's total mineral exports.
"Mr Chairman, the cities of Tarkwa, Obuasi and Prestea may not be like those of Johannesburg in South Africa and Perth in Australia, among others highly developed through mining proceeds. However, the exploitation of gold in Tarkwa and Obuasi has helped build their local economies till today"
Mr. Gomashie noted that, Buem, and, by extension, Oti region is blessed with mineral resources of which Iron Ore deposit stands out.
He stated that Ghana boasts of over 6 billion tonnes of iron ore deposits at Sheini, Opong Manso, Pudo, Akpafu block and Akokrowa.
"As of the beginning of this year, my data indicated that the Akpafu block, which includes Baglo Kute and Jasikan Bodada, holds about 1.2 billion tonnes"
"In contrast, the Akokrowa block, which spans Kwamekrom, and Krachi-Nkwanta, holds some 3.2 billion tonnes. Mr Chairman, developed countries such as the USA, China among others at their peak of development, did so through steel production and believes that Ghana is at the crossroads to produce its own iron rods and steel products to foster economic development and growth"
He noted that the multi-billion dollar industry is crucial to the government, hence, the establishment of the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC) by an act of Parliament (Act 988) in 2019 to help steer affairs.
He further stressed that eight (8) companies have already been been granted prospecting licenses and working hard to access the economicallyviability of the potentials in the region.
"The above statistics indicate that Buem and Oti Region is well positioned to become the hub of iron and steel development in Ghana and, by extension, the West-Africa sub-region where upstream (from Mining) through to downstream (Smelting Plants) will be established in the area. I am particularly aware of some statements made by some revered Leaders in our communities against the exploitation of the deposit; I must say that they are concerned about the environment; they get worried seeing how galamsey has destroyed our water bodies and forest reserves through irresponsible actions"
The Special Assistant to the Depuy Lands and Natural Resources Minister hinted that he was confident that by bringing together all relevant stakeholders to the table and working hand-in-gloves with regulatory agencies and others, proper mining practices will be adhered to, which will help provide sustainable livelihoods and protect the environment.
"Mining propels socio-economic development. Today, Goldfields Ghana Limited is almost done with a US$16 million Stadium for Tarkwa, Newmont currently constructing Ahafo-Kenyasi roads and a whole lot in mining communities"
"I humbly call on Bueman to as soon as possible start sending their children to read Mining related courses (i.e. Mining, Geological, Mechanical); set up avenues to start training interested youth in the various Operating Skills, set up a vibrant Panel of Technical Indigenes (compile best practices, feed into engagements back home"
"Start lobbying the University of Mines and Technology to host a satellite campus in the Oti Region to train Mining Professionals in the area and other neighbouring countries"
"When Mining starts today, all banks will troop to Jasikan, Private Hospitals, and Catering Companies. Many jobs will be created, hence the need to prepare our people"
"Once our people and non-indigenes working here become resourced, it will propel Jasikan’s development. Therefore, there is a need to translate this share of the world’s natural resources into sustainable development in Buem"
The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker donated GHc10,000.00 and assured Nananom of his unflinching support.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith