Authorities is taking daring steps to indigenise its mineral wealth and be certain that Ghanaians really profit.
That was the clear message from Isaac Andrews Tandoh, Deputy CEO of the Minerals Fee, in an interview on Pleasure Information’ PM Specific Enterprise Version on Thursday, April 17.
His feedback got here only a day after the federal government introduced it might not renew the mining lease of Gold Fields at Damang.
The South African agency has operated the mine for many years. The lease rejection means Ghana is now taking operational management of the gold-rich web site.
“There hasn’t been a coverage for nationalisation,” Andrews Tandoh mentioned.
“We’re not Burkina Faso. We’re not Mali. However we’re pushing for indigenisation.”
In accordance with him, this isn’t about kicking out overseas traders.
“We assist overseas funding. However a few of these agreements can’t be in perpetuity. It can’t be eternally.”
Andrews Tandoh mentioned the Minerals Fee needs to see actual worth for the nation.
“If you happen to’ve been given a lease for 30 years and also you’ve labored by means of the 30 years, it can’t be enterprise as traditional. These neo-colonial varieties of agreements can’t proceed.”
He was clear that the transfer shouldn’t be political.
“That is about Ghana. That is about guaranteeing our infrastructure, our communities, and our folks profit from what’s underneath their toes.”
Whereas Ghana has lengthy relied on overseas firms to guide main mining operations, Andrews Tandoh mentioned the tide is popping.
“We’re not saying don’t come. We’re saying, let’s do truthful enterprise. Let’s look once more at what we signed 30 years in the past. The occasions have modified.”
He additionally hinted that different leases underneath overview could face an analogous destiny in the event that they don’t replicate Ghana’s long-term curiosity.
“We’re evaluating every thing. We’re defending Ghana’s future.”
Issac Andrews Tandoh dismissed any suggestion that the Damang determination would scare off traders.
“Real traders are usually not afraid of equity. They’re afraid of instability. We’re providing construction, equity, and a transparent plan for development.”
The Fee, he mentioned, is working carefully with the Lands Ministry to make sure transparency and a clean transition.
“This isn’t abrupt. That is deliberate. It’s strategic. And above all, it’s for Ghanaians.”
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