Strict compliance with Ghana's mining laws will be enforced -MC

Isaac Andrew Tandoh, Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, issued a firm warning at the official handover ceremony of the Damang Mine to Engineers and Planners (E&P) Company Limited on Friday, declaring that "strict compliance with Ghana's mining laws will be enforced without compromise." Mr. Tandoh stressed that the Commission would closely monitor every aspect of the mine's operations under the new lease arrangement. He stated, "As the regulator, the Commission will oversee every aspect of operations at Damang under the new lease. We will monitor environmental performance, safety standards, investment commitments and reporting obligations."

The handing over ceremony was attended by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson, business magnate Ibrahim Mahama, traditional leaders and mine workers. Mr. Tandoh described the takeover by a Ghanaian-owned company as a significant milestone in the country's quest for local participation in the extractive industry. He emphasized that the same laws that governed multinational mining companies would equally apply to local operators, insisting that no special treatment would be granted. He assured the Minister and the people of Ghana that the Minerals Commission would remain impartial. Mr. Tandoh also gave assurances to host communities and workers of the mine, promising that environmental protection, worker safety and job security would remain top priorities for the regulator. He said, "To the workers, your safety and job security are matters of regulatory interest, so be assured, we will not turn a blind eye."

Mr. Tandoh reminded all stakeholders that the real success of the handover would depend on what follows after the ceremony. He said, "This is a historic day, but history is not made by ceremonies alone, it is made by what happens after the cameras leave. Let us go to work."