The government through its innovative and responsible small-scale mining module which has been endorsed by the World Bank and mining experts is set to create employment for 2000 men and women in Banko, a town in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region.

The Banko Community Mining Scheme went live on Wednesday, 26 July 2023 following its launch by Hon. George Mireku Duker, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, traditional authorities and other government officials.

Hon. Mireku Duker, in a speech delivered on behalf of the Sector Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor disclosed that government will provide logistics and personnel support for the project to succeed.

He disclosed that the government has procured a number of mercury-free machines to aid in the recovery of the precious mineral and that the Banko CMS will have one of the machines.

Hon. Duker stated that regional officers, a geologist and mining engineer will be assigned to the concession to ensure that operations are conducted in a manner devoid of adverse effect on the staff and environment.

As has been a feature of all his tours, the Deputy Minister once against voiced out his concerns against illegal mining, warning that persons found to be engaging in the illegal act will face the full rigours of the law when apprehended.

He admonished the chiefs and residents to contribute their quota to the fight, revealing that the constitution empowers them to arrest any person who engages in illegal mining.

Hon. Mireku Duker who doubles as the lawmaker for Tarkwa-Nsuaem constituency expressed optimism that the Banko township and nearby towns will witness massive development following the arrival of the Community Mining Scheme.

Hon. George Obeng Takyi, the Member of Parliament for Manso Nkwanta Constituency described the project as great one that will alleviate poverty and unemployment in the area.

He warned his constituents against engaging in illegal mining, stating that it is important for the Ghanaian populace to protect the country’s resources.

Hon. George Obeng Takyi commended the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and other stakeholders who were instrumental in the arrival of the CMS in his constituency.

The Banko Community Mining Scheme which is the third in the Amansie West District takes the number of CMS concessions in the country to 22.