Mineral Commission organizes education programme for sand winners in Kumasi

Mr. Peter N. Hodgson, Senior Inspector of Mines at the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission in the Ashanti Region, has urged Sand and Stone Contractors and small-scale miners to adhere strictly to the Minerals Act 703 0f 2007.

He said the Commission in its statutory powers would do everything possible to monitor and supervise the activities of such people to bring sanity into the mining sector.

Mr. Hodgson was speaking at the day’s workshop on sensitization and education on Mineral Rights Acquisition for 90 participants in Kumasi on Wednesday.

The workshop, which was attended by participants including Sand and Stone Contractors Association, Tipper Trucks Union, Quarry Companies and representatives of selected District Assemblies, was aimed at creating a forum for discussing the Minerals Act of 703.

He said some people in the mining sector had failed to adhere strictly to the Minerals Act and hence the need for the Commission to take pragmatic and effective measures to address the situation and revamp the industry.

Mr. Hodgson said to ensure efficient operations within the sector, a special task force known as the National Association of Sand and Stone Contractors and Tipper Trucks Union, has been established to deal with culprits who failed to comply with the Act.

He said the task force in the Ashanti Region had been able to arrest some companies and people for failing to comply with the Act adding that some of the offences include acquisition of licence, permits, waybills and failure to cover goods carted without tarpaulin.

He said it was also the responsibility of the Task Force to flush out illegal miners in the region and help ensure the protection of the environment.

Mr Samuel A. Dankwa, Environmental Inspector of Mines at the Mineral Commission, said it was important for all to adhere strictly to the Impact assessment and reclamation form of the Environmental Protection Agency.

This, he said, would avoid environmental degradation of lands and ensure that lands were put into good use.

Mr. Obeng Damoah, Principal Inspector of Machinery, appealed to employers to ensure that their employees work in a healthy and safe working environment at all times and also put in place the necessary education and training procedures to improve on their performances.

Mr. P. K. Donkor, Ashanti Regional Chairman o the Sand and Stone Contractors Association, called on the participants to use the skills and experiences acquired at the workshop to improve on their activities and contribute positively towards the development of the sector.