(Middle) George Mireku Duker, Deputy Land Minister, with delegation from Ansong Askew Company Limited and other directors of the Ministry
A Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in charge of mines, George Mireku Duker, has urged Peruvian investors to consider Ghana as a prime destination for successful investments in the growing artisanal small-scale mining industry.
In an address to a five-member delegation from Ansong Askew Company Limited, a mining firm based in Peru, held at the Ministry yesterday, he emphasised the crucial role of an effective legal and regulatory framework.
He also highlighted Ghana’s flourishing peace and democracy as pivotal factors that ensure the success of investments in the country’s viable artisanal small-scale mining sector.
The Deputy Minister reaffirmed government’s determination to sanitise the small-scale mining industry and curtail the excesses that lead to losses for industry participants should serve as a compelling incentive to attract investors to this sector.
Unparalleled
Mr Mireku Duker highlighted that Ghana’s mining regulatory system stands unrivaled on the African continent. He revealed that the government views the small-scale mining sector as a platform to nurture local champions in the mining domain, stressing that investments benefiting the local population without compromising the environment are enthusiastically embraced.
“Ghana boasts a well-regulated industry where artisanal small-scale mining is concerned. We have a solid legal framework. Moreover, Ghana’s political stability is widely acknowledged in Sub-Saharan Africa, making it the ideal gateway for venturing into the continent,” he stated.
He further disclosed that the assurance of retaining over 95% of generated revenue within Ghana’s mining economy adheres to Act 703, which mandates that the small-scale mining sector primarily serves Ghanaian citizens.
He assured the delegation that the Ministry is poised to implement measures that facilitate the seamless establishment of their operations in Ghana.
Details
For his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Ansong Askew Company Limited, James Askew, detailed the processing capabilities of his establishment, highlighting their distinction as the leading gold exporter in Peru.
He disclosed that the company possesses the potential to revolutionise Ghana’s small-scale mining by maintaining a transparent operational approach that ensures traceability of acquired minerals.
He also pointed out that his company had generated over $200 million from exports during the previous year, with 97% of these earnings reinvested within the country to foster sectoral growth.
According to him, local miners stand a chance to triple their investments if they opt to engage in business transactions with his firm.
He demonstrated an understanding of Ghana’s ban on mercury use in mining, emphasising his company’s commitment to activities that do not harm Ghana’s environment.
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