Ga Mantse urges mining industry to protect communities beyond the life of mines

The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has urged the Ghanaian mining industry to transform its approach to mining in a manner that safeguards communities after the closure of mining operations. Speaking at the National Mining Dialogue event in Accra, King Tsuru II emphasized that the eventual closure of a mine should not result in the collapse of the communities that rely on it.

He warned that the pursuit of immediate economic gains from mineral resources should not compromise the prospects of future generations. The traditional ruler noted that mining projects are temporary and mineral deposits can eventually be exhausted, leading to the closure of operations. To address this, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II called for mining policies and agreements that equip communities with the means to thrive after mining operations cease.

He proposed a catchment charter, a compact between mining companies and host communities, to ensure accountability beyond the dialogue. King Tsuru II stressed the importance of continuous public scrutiny of commitments made during such dialogues, encouraging stakeholders to report on progress and maintain engagement to prevent forgotten agreements.

Despite his concerns, he acknowledged that mining would continue to play a significant role in Ghana's economy due to the country's rich mineral resources.