George Mireku Duker (middle) with officials of the Lands Ministry and Minerals Commission during a tour of Kibi Goldfields Limited
A Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resource, George Mireku Duker, has implored mining companies to take deliberate and coordinated steps to strengthen their relationship with the various mining communities by expanding their local content participation.
He believes mining companies are more likely to enjoy smooth and successful operations if they put the development and growth of the communities and residents within their catchment areas at the heart of their operations.
Addressing the media during a working visit to Kibi Goldfields Limited yesterday, Mr Mireku Duker said mining companies should not only be interested in generating revenue and profits from the resources deposited in the communities but also make the growth of the communities and the locals a priority.
This, he reckons, will create a mutually satisfactory relationship between the communities and the companies and create the ideal conditions for the companies to thrive.
“By executing developmental projects in areas such as health, sports, education, and youth development, the companies will be performing their fiduciary duty to the communities as well as the government,” he indicated.
Charge to keep
The Deputy Minister also mentioned that a deliberate attempt at growing Ghanaian giants in the industry will ultimately create a situation where qualified Ghanaians will hold key and strategic positions in leading mining companies in the world.
He charged the management of Kibi Goldfields to undertake developmental projects in the Kibi and its environs.
Mr Mireku Duker also cited the inner roads in the community and others nearby which could be given facelifts by the company as part of the Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR).
Briefing the Minister on their CSR, an official of the company, in a presentation, outlined some major projects they have executed in the communities and promised to switch up their CSR activities.
He also enumerated how the company has consistently adhered to the requirements and conditions detailed in its operational license.
The Deputy Minister’s visit forms part of measures to improve the relationship between the government and the companies as well as ensure that large and small-scale mining companies in the country are operating per the mining laws of the country.
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