Efficient exploitation of natural resource key to Ghana’s socio-economic development

Hon. George Mireku Duker, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mines says the efficient exploitation of natural resources is key to Ghana’s socio-economic development.

According to him, natural resources relating to mining, forestry, agriculture among others are the backbone of Ghana’s economy and that the growth of the country hinges on the maximization of gains in these sectors.

Hon. George Mireku Duker who commissioned the joint Project Steering Committee for the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project (GLRSSMP) on behalf of the Sector Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 noted that the government has instituted various measures to reduce the losses in the exploitation of resources and increase it benefits.

“You will agree with me that contributions of the natural resource sector to Ghana’s socio-economic development cannot be overemphasised. Thus, Ghana’s socio-economic development is highly dependent on the exploitation of natural resources in the agricultural, forest and mining sectors in addition to a thriving services sector,” he said.

Addressing members of the joint-committee, the Deputy Lands Minister said government appreciates the contribution of small-scale mining to the economy.

“In recognition of the vital contributions of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) to Ghana’s sustainable development, the mineral exploration policy was developed, to ensure sustainable extraction of mineral resources in an environmentally sustainable manner. This policy intervention complements the goals and strategies of the National Environment Policy revised in 2014.”

Government dealing with threats

Hon. Mireku Duker said government efforts to help the extractive sector is under threat from climate change and other biodiversity loss.

He, was however of the opinion that with the current policy interventions by government these challenges will be addressed.

Hon. George Mireku Duker further appealed to members to work together to ensure that the objectives for which the joint-committee was set up is achieved.

The Coordinator for the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project, Dr John Krugu pointed out that the Project Steering Committee (PSC) as part of their mandate will meet twice in a year, with todays inaugural meeting being one of their key mandates; approving a work plan and a budget to enable the coordinating unit to proceed with implementation.

All you need to know about the joint committee

The Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project is a joint project to be implemented by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) and the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI).

The project seeks to strengthen the ecosystems for integrated natural resources management and increase benefits to communities in targeted savannah and cocoa forest landscapes.

Program (FIP), with an amount of USD 103.36 million facility from the following funding streams:

• International Development Association (IDA) Credit of US$75 million.

• The project is designed to build on the achievements and lessons from the just ended Sustainable Land and Water Management Project (SLWMP) and the Forest Investment Global Environment Facility (GEF) grant of US$12.7 million.

• Global Partnership for Sustainable and Resilient Landscapes (PROGREEN) grant of US$15 million.

• Extractives Global Programmatic Support (EGPS) Multi-Donor Trust Fund grant of US$0.6 million.

Source :PR UNIT MLNR