- “We are here to see Gang He operating to the optimum. If you can’t run me through safety protocols, then it means the basis is not right”
The deputy minister of lands and natural resources responsible for mining, George Mireku Duker, has taken decisive action, ordering the immediate shutdown of Gang He Mining Company, a Chinese firm operating in the Wassa Akropong District of the Western Region.
Mireku Duker was left with no choice but to issue the directive after carrying out a thorough inspection of the company on Friday (27 October).
During his visit, he uncovered numerous violations of national regulations by the company’s operations department that could not be ignored.
The deputy minister was particularly disturbed by the invisibility of essential safety protocols at company sites, non-use of concessions despite formal grants made, and signs of blatant disregard for the nation’s mineral laws.
He was also unhappy to learn that Gang He has not been able to develop its concessions and has failed to act in accordance with the tenets of its licence.
Six-month ban
Addressing the company’s managers during his tour, Mireku Duker announced that the temporary closure is a proactive step, taken by him to prevent the company from complete collapse.
He said that, as deputy minister, he has a responsibility to ensure the survival of Gang He. The ban, which will run for six months, will allow the mining company to put in place changes that will ensure its revival, he said.
He declared that it is in Ghana’s interest that mining company operations thrive and said his ministry, working through the Minerals Commission, will collaborate with the management.
“Stop whatever you are doing. The ministry will write and invite you to Accra for us to guide you,” Mireku Duker said.
“Our intent is not to stop companies or frustrate investors, but to guide investors to recoup their investments meaningfully. We are here to see Gang He operating to the optimum.
“If you can’t run me through safety protocols, then it means the basis is not right.”
“We want to see you operate profitably so that Ghanaians will have work to do.
“We don’t want the company to close down, because you have Ghanaians working here and their livelihoods depend on you,” Mireku Duker said.
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