As government revs up operations to combat the illegal mining menace and protect the country’s water and forest resources, it also continues to create avenues for the economic empowerment of residents of mining communities with the Community Mining Scheme being a prominent feature of this initiative.

In furtherance of these refromative measures, the government has so far established 25 Community Mining Schemes concessions with the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mines, George Mireku Duker, MP, launching the 26th concession at Meretweso in the Dunkwa-on-Offin Municipality of the Central Region on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

Addressing an enthusiastic crowd of chiefs and residents at durbar held to welcome the CMS concession, Mr Mireku Duker disclosed that the concession will address unemployment challenges in the area with 3000 jobs created directly and 500 jobs indirectly.

Mr. Mireku Duker outlined the disparities between illegal small scale mining and the CMS, noting that while the CMS involves the use of environmentally friendly equipment, illegal mining involves the use heavy metals and destructive chemicals and equipment.

He debunked assertions that the CMS is a miniature of the galamsey and stated that the government is absolutely against illegal mining of any kind and will continue to fight it.

He explained that the CMS which has the support of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is modernized and more sustainable mineral exploration model.

Providing update on the fight to protect Ghana’s mineral resources, the Deputy Minister explained that the government has made significant in-roads and will continue to ensure the protection of the country’s forest cover and waterbodies.

He announced that river guards will soon be deployed to areas for the protection of water resources and forests.

Mr. Duker reminded the community of their fiduciary responsibility to the their communities and the country and urged them to collaborate with government to protect the environment.

He emphasised that “it is our collective responsibility to support and regularize community milking for the benefit of all.”

The Metropolitan Chief Executive of Dunkwa-Offin, Ebenezer Appiah Forson highlighted the economic the CMS is going to have on the community and others nearby.

He announced that measures have already been instituted to ensure the total adherence to the regulations and urged the people to comply with them.

Dr Festus Awuah Kofi, the Member of Parliament for Upper Denkyira East promised that the measures outlined in the licensing regime will be completely obeyed.

He urged the youth in the area to protect the concession as it will create sustainable economic growth in the area.