By Francis Ntow/James Amoh Junior
Accra, April 4, GNA – The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has inaugurated the Association of China-Ghana Mining (ACGM), to champion sustainable mining, increased investments and improved community development.
It comprises major Chinese mining companies and service companies in Ghana.
The highlight of the event, held in Accra, on Thursday night, was the formal announcement of the China-Ghana Mining LBG Community Development Fund, which will receive dedicated resources towards advancing education, social welfare, environmental protection and community development in various mining areas across the country.
Mr Buah, who performed the inauguration on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, lauded the initiative and urged the Association to enhance and streamline Chinese investments in Ghana, while aligning their activities with the country’s sustainable development goal.
He reiterated that the Government would stop at nothing in punishing perpetrators of illegal mining with its attendant negative effects on the safety and wellbeing of citizens and the environment.
Members of the Association include Cardinal Namdini, a subsidiary of Shandong Gold, Golden Star Wassa, a subsidiary of Chifeng Gold, Ghana Manganese Company, JH Resources Exploration Ghana, Setters Investment Limited and Earl International.
For his part, Mr Tong Defa, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, noted that Ghana and China had maintained cordial and mutually beneficial relations over the years with millions of Chinese investments in Ghana’s mining sector.
He asked all Chinese mining firms to emulate such bilateral cooperation and cautioned against the exploitation of Ghana’s mineral resources in ways that would cause devastation to forests, lands and water bodies.
Ambassador Tong, therefore, charged the Association to ensure the promotion of global standards in mining, use technological innovations to safeguard Ghana’s ecosystem for mutual economic and social progress.
Mr Tang ZhenJiang, Chairman, ACGM, explained that the Association was to dedicated to promoting responsible mining, technological innovation, and community driven development.
“Through this Association, we will unify industry consensus, integrate resources, fulfil social responsibilities, and benefit communities,” he stated. “Together, we will write a remarkable new chapter in China-Ghana collaboration and strengthen the enduring bond between our peoples,” said.
He pledged the Association’s commitment to working collaboratively with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Youth Development and Employment to engage Ghanaian youth in responsible and sustainable mining, through a cooperative system.
Mr Tang said that initiative was to support the government’s fight against illegal mining, protect lives and the environment and create decent jobs for the youth in the mining sector.
“Established to advance responsible mining practices, promote strategic investments, and strengthen technological collaboration between China and Ghana, ACGM remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence, sustainability, and inclusive growth.”
The fund would operate under a transparent and independent governance framework to ensure accountability and impact, he assured.
Other members of the executive are Mr Kevin Chen, Secretary of General (Golden Star Wassa, a subsidiary of Chifeng Gold);
Three deputy Chairman: Mr Kevin Wu (JH Resources Exploration Limited), Mr Libin Xu (Ghana Manganese Company Limited) and Mr Qingming Tang (Earl International Mining Ltd).
Held under the theme: “Responsibility, Sustainability, Excellence, and Growth”, the ceremony was attended by Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, and a cross-section of representatives from the business community and the service sector.
GNA
BAS