Mining comes with responsibility to future generations – Ga Mantse
The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has called for a stronger sense of responsibility in the management of Ghana’s mineral resources, warning that mining must be viewed as more than a commercial activity because it involves lands held in trust for present and future generations.
Ga Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II has emphasized the importance of responsible management of Ghana's mineral resources, arguing that mining should not be viewed solely as a commercial activity. He stressed that mining involves lands held in trust for present and future generations and cautioned against exploiting natural resources in ways that would compromise future generations' ability to benefit from them.
Historically, traditional authorities, including stools and skins, have been considered custodians of land on behalf of generations yet unborn, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II stated. Therefore, granting mining concessions has broader implications that extend beyond immediate financial returns.
The Ga Mantse highlighted that the temporary nature of custodianship of land places a duty on the present generation to ensure that natural resources are not exploited in ways that would harm future generations. He argued that the decision to grant a mining concession should not be treated as a simple transaction between a landowner, the state, and a mining company, but rather as a transfer of access to a resource that has been preserved across generations and would have consequences for communities long after mining operations have ended.
Acknowledging the potential benefits of a properly managed mining industry, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II emphasized that responsible mining could contribute significantly to national and community development. He stated that such mining could provide infrastructure and social services, such as roads, hospitals, schools, health centres, and clean drinking water, to improve the quality of life in mining communities.
Additionally, the Ga Mantse identified education and skills development as crucial areas where mining revenues and corporate investments could make a lasting difference. He believed that mining could support schools, fund scholarships, and provide vocational training, enabling young people to acquire skills that would improve their employment prospects and entrepreneurship.
In conclusion, the Ga Mantse stressed that mining companies and other beneficiaries of Ghana's mineral resources must recognize the corresponding obligations they have towards communities, the environment, and future generations when permitted to exploit the country's resources.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
