The Minister for Lands and and Natural Resources, Mr Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh has urged the identification of ways that African regions can leverage on their resources for optimal socio-economic growth and development for the benefit of their citizens. He emphasized that this will help to take the region out of poverty.

He made these remarks at the opening ceremony of the 10th West and Central (WaCA) Mining Summit and Expo held in Accra.
Mr Asomah-Cheremeh said that the summit's theme "Energizing For Growth And Profitability' ties in with governments agenda to ensure growth and profitability for all.

He said that Ghana is endowed with mineral resources and also has potential for iron ore and base metal production. He noted that Ghana is currently recognized as the largest producer of gold in Africa, producing about 4.9 million ounces in 2018. He urged the translation of this feat into wealth that will benefit the populace. He also cautioned government to ensure implementation of mining friendly policies that sustain this achievement while serving the interests of citizens and ensuring environmental responsibility.

The Minister said in order to curb the current limitations affecting the sector, government has put in place policies such as improvement in the transparency of the rent and taxes regimes as well as beneficiation (a process that improves the economic value of the ore by removing the gangue minerals, which results in a higher grade product and a waste stream ) and value addition of mineral mines. He also added that government has established the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) and the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC) by Acts of Parliament as other strategies to promote value development of resources.

Mr Benjamin Aryee, Advisor, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources said that mining must be  made sustainable to reap its full potential.
Maggie Tan, Chief Executive Officer of Magenta Global, organizers of the summit said that mining is one of the major drivers of a country's economy . She added that   that it is a sector that employs a large number of people with benefits that trickle down to the grassroots level.

"It is very important that we look at how to translate mineral resources to end poverty in countries" she stated.
She noted that Africa has come a long way with new reforms in the sector and urged governments to look at how to translate investments into economic benefits.

Ms Tan urged the development of skills set and capacity building of people in mining communities as well as the introduction of modern technology to contribute to development.

Mr Asomah-Cheremeh and other stakeholders toured some exhibition stands to interact with investors from across West and Central Africa.
The summit saw presentations from over ten speakers with panel discussions to interact with participants. They were taken through topics such as 'ECOWAS Model Mining and Minerals Development Act, 'The State of the Mining Sector and Future Outlook and 'Mining Investment Opportunities in Cote D'Ivoire'.