The Ghana Chamber of Mines has supported the Ghana Air Force to refurbish some of its aircraft for enhanced security operations across the country.
President-Ghana Chamber of Mines, Edem Akafia – speaking at a brief ceremony to present the cheque on behalf of Chamber members, highlighted the longstanding relationship between the mining industry and military as well as the mining industry’s strategic importance to the country’s economy.
“As you may well know, the mining industry is a strategic sector of the country’s economy as it accounts for the largest share of taxes and foreign exchange inflows received by government – and also supports many local businesses,” Mr. Akafia said.
He added that mining’s importance to the economy should naturally position the sector as a priority area for Ghana’s security chieftains.
The Chamber president noted that his outfit also has productive relationships with the Ghana Armed Forces as well as Ministry of Defence. He further expressed his gratitude to the Ghana Air Force for their unwavering dedication to maintaining peace and security both within Ghana and across the sub-region.
“We doff our hats to – or in this case, salute – our gallant airmen and airwomen for their trail-blazing accomplishments despite the logistical and other resource constraints confronting the Service,” he stated.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Frederick Asare Bekoe, in his remarks expressed profound gratitude for the support and reiterated the critical role of such partnerships in enhancing the Ghana Air Force’s operational readiness.
Air Vice Marshal Bekoe further expressed gratitude and optimism about the two institutions’ relationship that will benefit both the Air Force and mining industry.
The Air Vice Marshal subsequently conducted a tour of the operations room and educated the Chamber delegation on the Air Force’s operations.
Background
In 2023, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, apprised the Chamber of challenges facing the Ghana Air Force and requested support. Subsequently, a delegation from the Chamber joined the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. George Mireku Duker, and some senior officers of the ministry to visit Takoradi Air Force Base (AFB) to ascertain the situation.
Ensuing discussions culminated in the Chamber’s decision to support the Ghana Air Force with US$300,000 toward the repair of some faulty aircraft. The Chamber thus presented 50% of the earmarked funds, GH¢2,280,000 – which is equivalent to US$150,000 – to the Ghana Air Force. The remaining amount will be delivered by end of September 2024.
