The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, says government remains committed to protecting AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine while working to ensure responsible and environmentally-sound small scale mining in Obuasi.
Hon. Jinapor made this statement on Monday, 5th June 2023 when he paid a working visit to Obuasi following the invasion of the mines concession by some illegal miners and also to assess the situation on the ground.
As part of the fact-finding mission, the minister held a separate meeting with various stakeholders such the Municipal and District Security Councils in Obuasi Municipality and Obuasi East District, Traditional leaders in the Adansi Traditional Area, Small Scale Miners, as well as the Management of AngloGold Ashanti.
He also seized the opportunity to visit the area of the concession where the illegal miners used to assess the pit and other illegal routes created by some of the miners.
In the meeting with the Small Scale Miners, the minister underscored the need for them to respect the laws of the country and ensure that they operate legally and responsible in accordance with laid down procedures.
He cautioned the residents of the Mining town not to use unemployment as an excuse to engage in illegal mining on AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine’s concession.
He was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resource in charge of mines, George Mireku Duker, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi, and the advisor on mines to the Lands Minister, Benjamin Aryee.
In all the meetings the Minister held with the various stakeholders, the District Chief Executive for Obuasi East Hon. Faustina Amissah was present.
(FELICIA MANU)
DISTRICT INFORMATION OFFICER