Accra, July 28, GNA- It is the policy of government to ensure the sustainable exploitation of the mineral resources for the benefit of the people, Alhaji Collins Dauda, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources said on Wednesday.

"The Ministry therefore urges all sand, stone and gravel winners to ensure strict compliance with the country's Mining and Minerals Act 2006,(Act 703) and with all environmental regulations so as to safeguard the health and safety of the workers and the general public and preserve the environment for generations yet unborn".

In a speech read for him at an occasion for the election of officers of National Association of Sand and Stone, Workers and Tipper trucks Users Union of Ghana, Alhaji Dauda, said measures were in place to streamlined illegal sand and stone winning activities which include: permitting, waybilling and regular taskforce patrols and monitoring.

He urged the union to lead the campaign to educate its members on the unacceptable practices and co-operate fully with the Inspectorate Division, District and Municipal Assemblies and other state Agency to carry out their mandate to ensure decorum in the industry.

Mr. Frank Nii Tetteh, was elected unopposed as the National Chairman for National Association of Sand and Stone, Workers and Tipper trucks Users Union of Ghana.

Other elected executives included; Mr. Peter Kwame Donkoh as their 1st National Vice Chairman, Mr. Musah Iddrisu Nazib, second National Vice Chairman, Mr. Nana Banyin Dickson as General Secretary in charge of administration and Mr. Baah Boakye Michael, in charge of operations.

The rest are; Mr. Ekow Essiam Abraham, Financial Secretary and Mr. Nana Adjei Kwarteng, the Treasurer.

Five candidates contested for the position of the National Organiser. Out of the 42 votes, Mr. Joseph Kaku Annor emerged as the winner with 20 votes, followed by Mr. Blackson Kwabena Anie with 9 votes.

Mr. Francis Atiomo had 7 votes; while Mr. Emmanuel Ananfu polled 6 votes and Torgbe Semaglo Agah I had no vote.

Mr. Frank Nii Tetteh, the newly elected National Chairman on behalf of the executives thanked all for entrusting the leadership of the union in their care and said they would work assiduously to ensure the improvement of the sand and stone industry.