The Executive Director-Azumah Resource Limited, Nana Dwemoh Benneh, has emphasised the positive impact of mining on local businesses.
During an engagement with media at Wa, Upper West Region, Mr. Benneh highlighted the significant role mining plays in stimulating local economies. He pointed out that when a mining operation is established in an area, it generates opportunities for various local services such as catering, construction and employment.
He added that mines often look within the community for supplies and procurement, leading to the formation of new businesses that depend on the mines for continuous business.
Mr. Benneh stated: “New businesses will have to be formed, and they will depend on the mines to continue giving them business to keep going. This underscores the vital role mining plays in fostering entrepreneurship and sustaining local businesses”.
Touching on the investment landscape, Mr. Benneh expressed confidence in his outfit’s ability to attract investors. He mentioned that after significant progress in exploration, they are engaging with various investors and the initial reactions have been positive. However, he acknowledged the complexity of securing large investments – emphasising the need for a stable and peaceful community environment to reassure potential investors.
Azumah Resources Limited, an Australian company with over a decade of prospecting for gold in the Upper West Region, is poised to commence gold mining. The company has conducted extensive feasibility studies since 2006, focusing on gold exploration in the area.
During the media engagement, Dr. Ebo Afful, a Senior Lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Journalism, urged media to explore the extractives sector and educate the public on its benefits. He stressed the importance of building journalists’ capacity to understand complexities of the mining sector to effectively communicate its potential wealth creation for society.
Dr. Afful highlighted the transformative power of minerals, citing examples from countries like South Africa, and urged that media pay attention to the mining sector as it holds potential for contributing significantly to the nation’s wealth.
Hector Nynaku, Country Manager-Azumah Resource Limited, provided insights into the company’s exploration journey since 2006 – citing the discovery of a significant quantity of ore and projecting a ten-year lifespan for the mining operation.
As exploration continues, the company anticipates extending this timeframe – contributing further to the region’s economic development.
The engagement aimed to enlighten media and stakeholders on Azumah Resources’ operations, fostering understanding and support for forthcoming mining activities. As the region anticipates an economic boost from mining, collaboration between the mining company, community and media remains crucial for a successful and harmonious venture.
