Apimanim (W/R), July 27, GNA-Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has urged workers manning the weighbridges in Apimanim and Awaso to exhibit professionalism and accountability to ensure accurate recording of data.
“The Mineral Resources of our country remain the property of the people of Ghana, and the government of President Akufo-Addo, is committed to a proper and efficient utilisation and management of these resources for the benefit of the citizens,” he indicated.
Mr Jinapor who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Damongo, gave the advice when he commissioned the weighbridge in Apimanim in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.
He noted that, “This bridge we have commissioned, does not only inure to the benefit of government, but also the mining companies and communities in the catchment areas of the mine; for an accurate, industry proven, and reliable weighing system, is essential for operational efficiency, cost control, regulatory compliance and profit management.”
The Minister expressed appreciation to Minerals Commission, Ghana Highway Authority, Ghana Manganese Company, Ghana Bauxite Company, Mineral Haulers Association, traditional authorities, host communities and those who made their land available for the project.
Mr Jinapor added that, in the medium to long term, the government was committed to ensuring that they added value to these minerals to reap their full benefits.
“Through its Four Project Agenda, the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), is working to add value to our bauxite and build here in Ghana an integrated aluminium industry,” he announced.
“This will see to the expansion of the Awaso bauxite mine together with a refinery, the development of new Mines in Nyinahini and Kyebi together with refineries, modernisation and expansion of the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) to smelt alumina refined here in Ghana”.
He revealed that the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC), was working assiduously to add value to their manganese deposits to build an integrated iron and steel industry, saying, “Pending these far-reaching measures, we must ensure that we get value for what we produce”.
Mr Jinapor mentioned that the vision of the President was to make Ghana the mining hub of Africa, and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources would continue to adopt and implement policies necessary to achieve this goal.
GNA