Minister Appeals For Support In Afforestation Programmes

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Collins Dauda, yesterday appealed to the Australian Government to help Ghana undertake afforestation programmes in mining communities.
This he said will help improve the living conditions of people living in mining communities whilst improving on environmental quality.

Alhaji Collins Dauda made the appeal when the Australian High Commissioner, Mr William Williams paid a courtesy call on him in Accra and to extend an invitation to a conference on mining to be held in Australia on the 3rd and 4th of September 2009.

Alhaji Dauda disclosed that even though the mining sector is doing well, not much attention has been paid to the effects of mining activities in the various mining communities. 'Degradation is taking over the lands being mined,' he added.

He however expressed his gratitude to the high commissioner for extending the invitation to participate in the conference which will give Australians the opportunity to showcase African products.

The Minister was hopeful that the conference will create a platform to enable mining companies in Ghana see the standards of Australian mining industry to help improve the mining techniques used in Ghana. This will help the two countries improve on the mining sector in Ghana.

In his address, Mr Williams congratulated the Minister on his appointment and said, the call was necessary because of Australia's contribution to Ghana's mining sector through a long history of partnership.

Mr Williams said a number of Australian mining companies engaging in mining activities also undertake their cooperate social responsibility by training local workers to help in the sector. 'I am impressed with the local level of partnership between the companies and the people in the community,' he added.