The Atwimanso Community in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region experienced an atmosphere of excitement and jubilation as the launch of the Atwimanso Community Mining Scheme (CMS) promised to create 2,000 direct job opportunities for residents.
The event, which took place on June 22, 2023, saw the participation of community members, local leaders, and government officials, including the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mines, George Mireku Duker.
During his address at the launch, Mr Duker refuted claims that the CMS had not gained full support from the Ghanaian public.
He emphasised that the community-centered mining module, aimed at promoting responsible harnessing of Ghana's mineral resources with local participation, had received positive response and interest from Ghanaians, especially those in mining communities.
Mr Duker acknowledged the cooperation of large-scale mining companies that had agreed to allocate portions of their concessions for the Atwimanso Community Mining Scheme. He also reiterated the government's stance on not banning small-scale mining operations, highlighting their significant contribution to Ghana's position as Africa's leading gold producer. He noted that the sector had directly employed one million people.
Emphasising the CMS's role in advancing socio-economic development, Mr Duker stated that the initiative would help the government achieve its goal of fostering local champions in the mining industry.
He urged the management of the Atwimanso CMS to strictly adhere to the laws governing its establishment. He cautioned that any violation of the law could result in the withdrawal of the operational license and prosecution of officials and staff involved.
He also stressed that the Atwimanso CMS was the only officially sanctioned scheme in the community and warned against unauthorised CMS operations.
Mr Duker announced the government's commitment to establishing more Community Mining Schemes in suitable areas for small-scale mining.
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The Member of Parliament for Amansie South and Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Yaw Frimpong, commended the Sector Minister, the Ministry, and the traditional authorities for establishing the CMS in the community.
He also took the opportunity to urge constituents to join the fight against illegal mining (galamsey).
The District Chief Executive (DCE) of the area, Mr. Clement Opoku Gyamfi, cautioned residents against engaging in illegal mining activities under the guise of the CMS.
He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for heeding their call for the establishment of the CMS in the area.
