The Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, has called for stronger collaboration between government and the mining industry to protect legitimate mining operations while ensuring that the Region’s natural resources generate lasting public value.
The call came during his visit to AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, marking the conclusion of his familiarisation tour of major mining companies in the Western Region. Discussions focused on operational sustainability, environmental protection, illegal mining and opportunities for stronger institutional collaboration.
Management raised concerns about the growing encroachment of illegal mining equipment onto the company’s concession, resulting in operational disruptions and potential implications for the mine’s life-of-mine. The Minister stressed the need for intelligence-led enforcement, stronger inter-agency coordination and effective protection of licensed mining assets.
He reaffirmed that mining must be conducted within Ghana’s legal, environmental and regulatory framework, stressing that the protection of mineral resources, water bodies, forests and legitimate mining operations remains essential. He also indicated plans to explore the involvement of NAIMOS in strengthening the response.
A major highlight of the engagement was AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine’s commitment to fully fund the establishment of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for the Western Region. The investment is expected to strengthen access to specialised critical care and improve the Region’s capacity to respond to life-threatening medical conditions.
The Minister commended the company for the commitment and described it as an example of the kind of government-industry partnership needed to combine responsible resource extraction with environmental stewardship, community development and investment in essential public services.
Through the Western Regional Coordinating Council, he said collaboration with mining companies, businesses and local authorities would continue to be strengthened to improve coordination, support responsible investment and promote sustainable resource development.
