Okyenhene calls for 1-yr suspension of mining

The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amotia Ofori Panin, has called for the suspension of mining in the country for a year for a review of the legal regime governing the whole sector.

He also called for the decoupling of the Minerals Commission from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for the Commission to have the free hand to operate.

The Okyenhene stated this when the sector Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, paid a courtesy call on him on Thursday, May 27 as part of his two-day tour of the Eastern Region.

According to Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori-Panin, it is important for government to adequately resource the Minerals Commission in order to effectively carry out its mandate.

Touching on remuneration for mine workers, he noted that the disparity between the Ghanaian miner worker and others in other jurisdictions is too wide and must be looked at.

On his part, the Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, said all the issues and concerns raised by the Okyenhene will be tabled for further deliberations.