The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has assured workers of the Bogoso-Prestea Mines in the Western Region of reforms and support as part of broader efforts to revitalise Ghana’s mining sector.
He gave the assurance during a working visit to the mine, where he engaged directly with workers.
The workers raised concerns on safety standards, remuneration, job security, and the long-term future of operations.
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah told the workers that the government remains committed to addressing their challenges and instituting policies that support both workers and surrounding communities.
This visit is not just symbolic. It reflects the government’s active commitment to a mining industry that prioritises its workers, promotes responsible practices, and contributes significantly to our national development goals,” the minister said.
He stressed that the government will do everything possible to implement reforms aimed at stabilising the mine, restoring productivity, and maximising its contribution to GDP.
“The people of Prestea-Huni Valley deserve a mining operation that works for them, not just one that extracts from them. Our vision is to see this mine flourish again—providing jobs, boosting local economies, and leading in responsible mining practices.”
The minister also paid a courtesy call on Nana Nteboa Pra IV, Divisional Chief of the Prestea-Heman Traditional Area.
Issues discussed during the courtesy call were about the status of the mine and the impact of mining on traditional lands.
Nana Nteboa Pra IV welcomed the minister’s engagement and expressed the traditional council’s readiness to support responsible and community-focused mining.
“We are ready to work with the government to ensure that the mine becomes a force for good in our community.”
The minister on his part spoke about the government’s flagship Cooperative Mining Scheme (CMS).
The initiative’s core objective is to formalise and empower small-scale miners. The scheme provides technical, financial, and regulatory support while promoting environmentally responsible practices.
“Our Cooperative Mining Scheme is a game-changer. It gives small-scale miners access to equipment, training, and formal markets while reducing the environmental impact and ensuring that revenue benefits stay within our communities.”
He urged illegal miners to transition into cooperative frameworks, promising the ministry’s support in licensing and capacity-building to create more legal and sustainable jobs in the sector.
Commitment to Sustainable, People-Centred Mining
The minister emphasised that the future of mining in Ghana must be built on the pillars of sustainability, transparency, and human-centred development.
“Revitalising the mining sector is not just about numbers; it’s about people and the planet.
We are committed to ensuring that every policy we roll out enhances the lives of those at the heart of this industry.”
To ensure accountability and progress, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah announced the establishment of a dedicated task force to monitor reforms at Bogoso-Prestea and maintain open lines of communication with all stakeholders.
The visit marks a major step in the government’s vision to transform Ghana’s extractive sector. With direct engagement from the minister, input from traditional leaders, and a clear focus on worker welfare and responsible practices, the people of Prestea-Huni Valley can look forward to a mining industry that supports real, measurable development in their lives.
The minister was accompanied by the member of parliament for Prestea Huni-Valley, Hon. Robert Wisdom Cudjoe; the municipal chief executive; and the western regional minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, all of whom addressed the workers and reaffirmed the government’s support for the mine and its workforce.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
