The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has commissioned the Minerals Commission’s new District Office at Damang in the Western Region, as part of Government’s efforts to decentralise mineral administration and bring regulatory services closer to mining communities.
The establishment of the office is expected to enhance the Commission’s capacity to provide timely and effective regulatory services in the area, including mineral licensing, inspections, environmental and safety monitoring, stakeholder engagement and enforcement of regulatory requirements.
The facility will also provide mining companies, local businesses and communities within the Damang mining enclave with direct access to the Commission’s services, reducing the need to travel long distances to access regulatory support.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah said the establishment of the office reflected Government’s commitment to a community-centred and bottom-up approach to mineral resource governance.
He said decentralising the Commission’s operations would strengthen local participation and consultation in decisions relating to mining activities, while ensuring that the concerns of affected communities are better captured in the management of the country’s mineral resources.
The Minister emphasised the need for mining activities to deliver tangible benefits to host communities while adhering to environmental, safety and regulatory standards.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Isaac Tandoh, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to responsible mining, regulatory excellence and the promotion of local content in the mining sector.
According to him, decentralisation goes beyond the establishment of physical offices and must translate into accessible, responsive and effective regulatory services.
He said the Damang District Office would serve as an important regulatory hub, supporting legitimate investments, strengthening oversight of mining operations and creating opportunities for local businesses and communities to participate meaningfully in the mining value chain.
Mr. Tandoh added that the Commission would continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that Ghana’s mineral resources were developed responsibly and sustainably for the benefit of present and future generations.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Chief of Damang, Nana Kwaku Armah II; the Member of Parliament for Prestea-Huni Valley, Hon. Wisdom Cudjoe; officials of the Minerals Commission; representatives of mining companies; traditional authorities and other key stakeholders.
The commissioning of the Damang District Office forms part of broader efforts by the Minerals Commission to strengthen its presence in mining communities and improve the efficiency of mineral resource regulation across the country.
Story by Sheila Otuo – Baffour