Hon. George Mireku Duker, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural has ordered the management of Big Stone Mining Limited to as a matter of urgency address all safety and health concerns of their site or face a shutdown.

During his tour of the company on Thursday, 6th April 2023, Hon. Mireku Duker was unhappy over what he considers to be blatant disregard for the health and safety protocols outlined in the licenses granted the company.

The Deputy Minister directed the staff of the Minerals Commission who are part of his delegation to ensure that the company complies with the order.

Lamenting the situation which he describes as an eyesore, he reminded the company of its responsibility of ensuring the safety its workers.

He warned that the Ministry and Minerals Commission will not watch on unconcerned for companies to flout the laws of the country with impunity.

“I’ve seen things that I’m not happy with in terms of your health and safety protocols. This place doesn’t befit the status of large scale concession and that must be immediately addressed. The environment is already weedy and this is the headquarters of Big Stone where your administrative offices are then its an eyesore.

“I will ask my technical officers to immediately act on that. I cannot fathom why I should come and meet this situation. We are mandated by the LI to shut your operations based on what we are seeing here.”

Hon Mireku Duker also tasked the company to build a strong relationship with the communities in its catchment areas.

He noted that this could be done through a committed application of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibilities.

“The mandate of this company should not be only getting gold out of the soil, it must also be your responsibility to create enabling and serene environment for your workers. It is important to ensure that you have a closer and deeper relationship with the community in which you work.

“ We are here to streamline and get the best practice out of this company. If you are determined to work in this country then you must be ready to obey the rules and regulations of this country. You must work under the dictates of Act 703”.

Hon. Duker assured the company the government is focused on implementing policies and programs that will facilitate the smooth operations of mining companies.

He, therefore, urged them to support government by adhering to the mining laws and undertaking development projects in various communities.

The Plant Manager of Big Stone, Mr. Mawulolo Kudjo Nokufou disclosed that since its establishment, the company has been saddled with some challenges.

He noted with confidence that the visit of Hon. Mireku Duker is indicative of government’s interest in the company and that he is convinced that the issues confronting the firm will be addressed expeditiously.

Source: Ghana/Sompaonline.com/Nana Yaw Boamah