President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has indicated that the overall objective of his administration in the development of the country’s mining industry is to position Ghana as the hub of development of mineral resources.

Consequently, he has asked stakeholders working along the value chain to coordinate activities for the country to actualize this dream.

Ghana, he underscored, could become a true player when it comes to the mineral sector within Africa and beyond.

The president made this known when he performed sod cutting for the construction of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) Technical Training Centre, at the University of Mines and Technology (UMAT), Tarkwa in Western Region.

The centre, purposefully established to offer utmost technical training and support, will be funded by the Minerals Income Investment Fund.

Additionally, the president said the institution will serve as Ghana’s modern jewellery training centre and museum.

The ultimate goal is to drive tourism and showcase the country’s rich mineral endowment history, according to President Akufo-Addo.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony, he explained the importance of the country taking an absolute control of its mining industry, hence the deliberate policies being initiated by the government to make Ghanaians the true owners of mining companies in the country.

The MIIF, a sovereign minerals fund mandated by the Minerals Income Investment Fund Act, 978, was established to maximize the value of dividend and royalties income accruing to the Republic of Ghana.

The president, observed that the centre, when completed will serve as the government’s avowed commitment to developing a robust education system in the mining area , and will especially use the center in mining research and innovation.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of MIIF, Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng noted that the centre will comprise of a 500-seater theatre, to aid activities attached to a Museum.

The ultimate expectation of the President, and all the key stakeholders and for that matter the MIIF executive, is to see to it that the construction of the centre will be completed within 8 months.

The anticipation, by the stakeholders, is to make Ghana a true player in development of the Minerals sector in Africa.

By: Zambaga Rufai Saminu | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana