Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is in discussions with some financial institutions to establish mining support desks to meet the financial needs of small-scale miners.
According to Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, the move is aimed at enhancing local participation and investments in the small-scale mining sector.
Additionally, he said, it would help in curtailing the involvement of foreigners, who were mostly introduced into the space due to the need for financial investments.
The Deputy Minister was speaking at Nkroful yesterday when he inaugurated the Ellembelle District Mining Committee. He said already, ADB and Cal Bank have expressed interests in the plan and working with government to set-up the desks.
Initially, he noted that it was the intention of the Ministry to pursue a Minerals Development Bank that would provide financial support to both large-scale and small-scale mining firms. The idea, however, was shelved to allow existing banks meet the needs of small-scale miners through a special arrangement that would involve pre-financing equipment, Mr Duker stated.
Kwasi Bonzoh, Chief Executive of Ellembele District Assembly, who doubles as the chairman of the district mining committee welcomed the task handed them and promised to assist government deal with issues in the mining firm.
He said the District was blessed with mineral resources which, if well harnessed, would impact positively on its socioeconomic adding that the committee would not tolerate any form of illegality in mining in the area.
