Minister of Mines advises media

Mr. Kwadwo Adjei-Darko, Minister of Mines on Thursday advised the media to be circumspect in reporting conflicts between mining companies and people who live within their areas of operation.

He said in order not to misinform the public, the media must always investigate complaints by people concerning activities of mining companies. The minister was speaking during a familiarization visit to the Precious Minerals Marketing Corporation (PMMC) in Accra.

He said investigations by the Ministry have revealed that some people staying within the operational areas of mining companies often fail to abide by regulations of the companies.

Mr Adjei-Darko said some farmers, for example, would cultivate land designated for mining activities even when they have been cautioned, adding that when they later suffer the consequences, they rush to the media and create a bad impression about the companies.

He said mining activities that pose a problem to the country are those carried out by illegal miners who are popularly referred to as "galamsey operators". The minister said unlike the licensed ones, illegal miners end up degrading the land without reclaiming it since their activities are carried out secretly.

He said an environmental statement is requested from any company that is granted mining rights by government to ensure that the land on which they operate is reclaimed after their operations, adding that steps are also taken to see to the welfare of people staying in and around their areas of operation.

Touching on the PMMC, the minister said a board would soon be inaugurated for the corporation and noted that since 1992 the PMMC has worked without a board.

He said it is necessary for the corporation to expand its activities, particularly in the area of getting more schools involved in the practical learning of jewel making, adding that the Labone Secondary School is so far the only school involved in that activity.

Mr. Adjei-Darko urged the PMMC to study the ECOWAS marketing strategies in order to develop better marketing strategies for the company. Departments of the corporation toured by the Minister included the showroom, production unit, and the value and purity determination sections, after which he had an interaction with some members of staff.

The visit forms part of the minister's tour of departments and agencies under his ministry.