The Acting President of the Denkyire Traditional Council, Nana Agyei Nkyereyeh II, has called for a campus dedicated to mining to deepen government’s resolve to promote sustainable mining in the area and the country at large.
The Chief, who is also the Adontenhene of Denkyira also called for the setting up of a Minerals Commission office in Dunkwa -on’- offin to help facilitate administrative and operational activities with respect to mining and help give true meaning to the town which is known for mining in the Central Region and the country at large.
The Acting President stated this when the Hon. Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor led a delegation to pay a courtesy call on the Council, at Dunkwa-on-offin in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality.
“We need a Minerals Commission office here. It will help in the reforms here and attend to the needs of our people,” he said.
The Chief urged the Ministry to organise a workshop to educate traditional leaders on the new land Act to enhance their knowledge and help in effective land administration.
He expressed concern about rising crime rate, especially armed robbery, in the Municipality and appealed to the Hon. Minister to liaise with his counterpart at the Interior Ministry to increase police presence in the area.
On his part, Hon. Jinapor lauded the role of chiefs in government’s efforts to sanitise the small scale mining sector as well as the Forestry and land sub- sectors.
He said chiefs were critical agent of change who readily offer support, advice and guidance toward a path of development.
He said government was counting on the support of the chiefs in executing plans and strategies aimed at ridding the country off illegal mining and forest degradation.
“The future of our country is threatened and we can’t allow it to continue. With your support, this government will put in all the efforts to achieve a sustainable and viable mining sector,” Hon. Jinapor maintained.