The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor has revealed despite government's efforts to curbing mining challenges, it can not resolve all its problems.
According to him, the Akufo-Addo government has not in any situation suggested it has resolved all the problems.
Addressing Journalists in Accra on Tuesday, he said "We are not by any means suggesting that we have resolved all the problems in the mining sector. Not at all, we cannot resolve all the problems on the mining sector within the period, we have been in office"
"It is not even possible, never, so what is important is to take the sector to a satisfactory situation where the country is assured that there are proper regulatory framework"
He further added that despite the challenges, government has made great efforts in the sector.
"The government through his ministry has made drastic efforts in stopping the increasing rate at which illegal mining was in the offspring"
The Sector Minister who also doubles as the MP for Damango, noted that the Akufo-Addo government is not relax on the fight against illegal mining in the country byt bent on curbing the menace.
"Despite the fact that fighting against illegal mining is important, reforms and measures to improve service of mining companies are equally important as he says better services will help curb illegal mining as he announced reduction in the 3% withholding taxes on gold mining to 1.5%."
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Minerals Commission, Martin Kwaku Ayisi outlined its achievement since March 2021 till date.
He mentioned that the Minerals Commission have transformed itself into a formidable area likewise digitizing its processes.
Mr. Ayisi told Journalists that before he took over office, there were widespread of illegal mining, degraded lands from illegal mining activities, complaints of delays in the licensing regime.
He mentioned that his outfit have managed to turn things around in the last 8 months.
"The commission since 1st November, 2021 has abolished paper-based applications to make the system paperless, they have upgrade the IT infrastructure to support the online process and also the digitization of all records and to be completed by the end of 2021"
"The commission has ensured that, the entire processes that one goes through have been cut short to enable smooth operation.
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Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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