Minister tours mining sites at Bogoso

Bogoso (WR), Oct. 17, GNA - Madam Esther Obeng Dapaah, Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines has toured the mining sites of Golden Star Bogoso/Prestea limited (GSBPL) as part of a two-day tour of some mining companies in the Wassa West District.

She visited the 275 hectares oil palm plantation, fish farm, newly constructed Biox plant and operations of small-scale miners along the Densu River.

Madam Dapaah commended management of the company for the provision of 80 megawatts generating plant during the energy crisis and pledged government's commitment to ensure conducive atmosphere for investors. However, she urged the management to institute measures to improve relationship with the communities within its catchment's area and small-scale miners to sustain peace in the area.

Madam Dapaah stressed the need for the management to expedite action on the operations of the Prestea underground mine to create more jobs for the people in the area while prospecting for more concessions. Mr Daniel Owiredu, Vice President (Operations) of the company, pledged the commitment of management to create more job avenues in the area to reduce activities of small-scale miners.

He announced that 8,100 hectares had been acquired to cultivate oil palm to create employment for about 2,000 people to reduce poverty and provide sustainable economic activity for the communities.