By Issah Mohammed
Accra, May 22, GNA – Communities in the Amansie Central and Adansi North districts of the Ashanti Region have expressed support for an ongoing geological survey to identify mineralised zones for responsible cooperative mining.
The survey, funded by GoldBod and undertaken by the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA), is expected to support small-scale mining, create jobs and promote sustainable mineral development in mining communities.
At a stakeholder engagement with assembly members from the beneficiary communities, local leaders described the intervention as timely and transformative, and pledged their commitment to the success of the initiative.
The initiative forms part of GoldBod’s mandate to reinvest up to 30 per cent of its surplus into supporting mining operations within the licensed artisanal and small-scale mining sector, from which it purchases most of Ghana’s gold.
Beyond financing the geological survey, GoldBod is expected to provide mining equipment, technical assistance and guaranteed market access to promote responsible and sustainable mining practices.
The assembly members said previous attempts by some communities to secure support from private mining companies had yielded little results, making the GoldBod-backed initiative a source of renewed hope for residents.
They said the intervention demonstrated a practical commitment to empowering local miners while promoting responsible mining practices, adding that structured cooperative mining supported by state institutions had long been an aspiration of the area.
A delegation from GoldBod and the GGSA later paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Biribiwomanmu, Nana Kusi Frimpong Kotobiri II, who welcomed the initiative and commended the decision to consider the area for responsible cooperative mining activities.
The Chief recounted that previous community-led mining investments had resulted in significant financial losses due to inadequate technical and institutional support.
He expressed confidence that the intervention would create jobs, stimulate economic growth and provide renewed opportunities for the youth in the area.
The delegation subsequently met the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Frank Amoakohene, to brief him on the readiness of the people of Adomanu, Abedwum, Odumase, Akrukeri, Achiase and Biribiwomanmu to participate in the initiative.
Mr Amoakohene commended GoldBod and the GGSA for promoting responsible mining development in the region and stressed the need to integrate land reclamation and corporate social responsibility into the project.
He said initiatives that combined youth employment, responsible mining and the provision of social amenities aligned with the Government’s development vision, adding that cooperative mining remained a priority under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama.
GoldBod’s supportt for cooperative and community mining forms part of its broader strategy to formalise the small-scale mining sector, improve livelihoods and strengthen responsible gold production across the country.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey