Minerals exploitation should benefit the nation

Obuasi, June 18, GNA - Alhaji Collins Dauda, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has reiterated government's commitment to ensuring the country's mineral resources are exploited for the benefit of Ghanaians and other stakeholders. In a speech read for him at the inauguration of an 11-member Board of Directors of Obuasi-based mining and building contracting firm, Mining and Building Contractors (MBC) Ltd on Wednesday, Alhaji Dauda said government would continue to provide the enabling environment to meet the challenges and expectations of the people and stakeholders in the mining industry.

The board has Mr. Paul Victor Obeng as the Chairman. The Minister urged mining companies to be alive to their corporate social responsibilities by investing in the development of the mining communities in which they operate.

"I find that the mining communities are no better than any of the deprived communities in the country despite the several years of mineral activities that have taken place in these mining communities, there is little of development and modernization to show there". On challenges posed to safety, health and environment, Alhaji Dauda urged mining concerns to ensure strict compliance with the country's mining and environmental regulations to safeguard the health and safety of the sector workers.

Dasebre Osei Bonsu II, Mamponghene, who represented Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, appealed to employees of MBC not to put the mining industry in jeopardy through industrial disputes. He called for effective partnership between the board, management, stakeholders and the workers to enhance the sustainable growth of the company.

The Managing Director of MBC, Mr. Luigi Balduzzi, explained that the decision to put in place a board to oversee the affairs of the company was to ensure good corporate governance.

Mr. Obeng on behalf of the board said the board was aware of the challenges confronting the company and that the necessary steps would be taken to turnaround the company to meet its change agenda. Miss Joyce Aryee, the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Chamber of Mines who sworn-in the board, said the formation of the board would project the image of MBC as a professional body in the mining sector. Other members of the board are Mr Paul Atsonglo, Mr Luigi Balduzzi, Paapa Dadson, Mr Kwaku Danso Abeam, Prof. Daniel Mireku-Gyimah, Nana Boakye Atonsa Ababio, Mr Alfred Atsonglo George Victor Okoh and Mr Lusorio Renaldo Pala.