According to the Western North Chairman of the Small-Scale Miners Association, Mr. Adu Gyamfi, the newly established Minerals Commission Office Complex in Bibiani will significantly enhance legal mining practices in the region.
He said the previous office was too small to accommodate the day to day activities of the commission, perhaps the need for new edifice.
“The presence of the Minerals Commission in Bibiani will strengthen regulatory oversight, curb illegal mining, and promote sustainable mining practices,” said the Chairman.
He said the office will decentralize the process of acquiring a licence for proper and legal mining.
Mr. Adu Gyamfi invited fellow miners to freely visit the office for technical support before commencing. Adding that, such technical knowledge will help lesser litigation and misunderstandings on lands.
Stating the office will be equipped with technocrats, including geologists who have the knowhow to educate miners and provide technical support to do their lawfully work without any litigation. “The officers will be there always to support everyone technically and take you through the process”.
“The minerals commission office will be equipped with technocrats to assist every miner. They are there to educate us, and make our work easier.”
Furthermore, he emphasized that small scale mining is not done in river bodies, and perhaps miners must be a respecter of the laws, adding securing mining license to mine in the forest reserve is also illegal, however calling on all and sundry to put a stop to that.
In order to prevent been arrested by law enforcers for engaging in illegal mining, he encouraged everyone to seize the opportunity to walk to the office and obtain a license to prevent any issues.
“Mining benefits us all, but acquiring licence and mining in the river bodies or the forest reserves is illegal. Proper mining is not done by the reserve or water bodies. I will entreat all to desist from such unlawful behaviors,” he emphasized.
The Chairman commended the government’s efforts to formalize the mining sector, ensuring that small-scale miners operate within the law.
“This office will provide necessary support and guidance to our members, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the national economy,” he added.
The Minerals Commission Office Complex in Bibiani is a critical step towards responsible mining practices, community development, and economic growth in the Western North Region.
