Leverage on Iron Ore to Develop Buem, Oti

 –People ofJasikan Urged

The people of Jasikan in the Oti Region have been counselled to take advantage of the exploitation of the recently-discovered iron ore deposits in the region, which is about to begin, to develop the Bueman traditional area.

According to a mining engineer, Wisdom Edem Gomashie, though the mining towns in Ghana, such as Tarkwa, Prestea and Obuasi, may not be developed like Johannesburg in South Africa and Perth in Australia, the exploitation of gold in these cities has helped in building and boosting their local economies.

“Mr. Chairman, the cities of Tarkwa, Obuasi and Prestea may not be like those of Johannesburg in South Africa and Perth in Australia, highly developed through mining proceeds. However, the exploitation of gold in Tarkwa and Obuasi has helped build their local economies till today,” he said.

He argued that, mining activities propel socio-economic development and, therefore, when the exploitation of the iron ore begins, all banks, hospitals and catering companies among others will troop to the area and open branches thereby creating job opportunities to indigenes.

“When mining starts today, all banks will troop to Jasikan, private hospitals, and catering companies. Many jobs will be created, hence the need to prepare our people. Once our people and non-indigenes working here become resourced, it will propel Jasikan’s development.

“Therefore, there is a need to translate this share of the world’s natural resources into sustainable development in Buem,” he stated.

Delivering a speech on the occasion of the second anniversary of the enstoolment of Nana Edje Tete Kpase-Brantuo VII, as the chief of Jasikan and Adontenhene of the Buem traditional area, on Saturday, July 1, 2023,Mr. Gomashie called for cool heads to prevail for the commencement of the exploitation.

Mr. Gomashie, who is also the special assistant to the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mines, George Mireku Duker, mentioned that, there are several benefits in terms of infrastructure projects and facilities the region stands to benefit from, citing the construction of roads and establishment of universities and others.

He, therefore, urged parents to start sending the children to read mining related courses and also lobby the University of Mines and Technology (Umat) to establish a satellite campus in the area.

“Start sending their children to read mining related courses (i.e. Mining, Geological, Mechanical). Start lobbying the University of Mines and Technology to host a satellite campus in the Oti Region to train mining professionals in the area and other neighbouring countries,” he urged.

According to him, “Today, Goldfields Ghana Limited is almost done with a US$16million stadium for Tarkwa, Newmont currently constructing Ahafo-Kenyasi roads and a whole lot in mining communities.”

He revealed that, eight companies have already been granted prospecting license and are working hard to access the economic viability of the potentials in the region.

Engineer Gomashie also said although he welcomes the concerns of those against the exploitation of the iron ore in the region, he is confident that bringing onboard of all relevant stakeholders together to work hand-in-gloves with regulatory agencies, proper mining practices will be adhered to protect the environment from degradation.

“I am particularly aware of some statements made by some revered leaders in our communities against the exploitation of the deposit; I must say that they are concerned about the environment; they get worried seeing how galamsey has destroyed our water bodies and forest reserves through irresponsible actions.

“I am confident that by bringing together all relevant stakeholders to the table and working hand-in-gloves with regulatory agencies and others, proper mining practices will be adhered to, which will help provide sustainable livelihoods and protect the environment,” Mr. Gomashie assured.

Source: Anchorghana.com