The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has endorsed President John Dramani Mahama’s reset agenda, describing efforts to process Ghana’s mineral resources locally as a crucial step towards economic transformation and sustainable national development.
Speaking on behalf of the Asantehene at the Mining in Motion Conference on Monday, October 19, Nana Okyere Kusi Ntrama, the Essumejahene, said Ghana must move beyond exporting raw minerals and focus on domestic processing, industrial development and value addition.
He explained that the government’s mineral policy could help reduce poverty, create employment opportunities and ensure that Ghana retains a greater share of the wealth generated from its natural resources.
According to him, President Mahama’s reset agenda places greater emphasis on local control of mineral wealth and the development of processing facilities to strengthen the country’s economy.
Despite controversies surrounding the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Nana Okyere Kusi Ntrama maintained that the broader objective of increasing local value addition remains important to Ghana’s long-term development.
He also drew parallels between the government’s approach and the vision of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who sought to harness the country’s mineral resources and establish domestic gold refining capacity.
The Asantehene’s endorsement highlights growing support for policies aimed at promoting local mineral processing, strengthening Ghana’s mining industry and increasing the economic benefits derived from gold and other natural resources.
The initiative is expected to contribute to industrialisation, investment opportunities, job creation and a more sustainable approach to mineral resource management if effectively implemented.
Source: newsthemegh.com