The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, says his outfit is committed to working with the Ghana Chamber of Mines to grow the country’s extractive industry.

Addressing a breakfast meeting with the Chamber on Thursday, January 26, the minister said the government will integrate the concerns of the Chamber in drafting policies to regulate the mining and extractive industry.

According to him, the Chamber has played a critical role in the development of Ghana’s natural resources, and thus, the government’s willingness to continue engaging the Chamber.

‘We’re with you every step of the way. I want to assure you that the government has taken note of your concerns and continuous feedback, and we’ll continue to engage you in the development and management of Ghana’s natural resources, the Lands Minister stressed.

The Minister gave the assurance in response to concerns from the Chamber on the menace of illegal mining, the government’s proposed sliding scale mechanism for royalties, among other key issues raised.

CEO of the Chamber, Ing, Dr Ken Ashigbey, who made a presentation on behalf of the Chamber, said despite the commendable efforts by the Lands Minister, there’s the need for more action to address the menace of illegal mining and other challenges that bedevil the sector.

He said that through continuous consultation and engagement, the Chamber will continue to support the government in making the sector better.

The meeting, which was also attended by the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, discussed the creation of more friendly reforms to enable legal mining firms import their equipment without challenges.

In closing, the Lands Minister called for mass participation at the upcoming local content conference on February 18, designed to address the issues of local content in the mining and extractive sector.