Accra: Azumah Resources Ghana Limited, a mining company, has lauded Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, for his role in resolving a protracted dispute between the company and Engineers and Planners Company Limited. The resolution, the company noted, had renewed investor confidence in Ghana’s mining sector.
According to Ghana News Agency, in a press statement issued by John Mason, spokesperson for Azumah Shareholders, the company confirmed that Engineers and Planners Company Limited had agreed to withdraw its legal claim against Azumah Ghana. This development paves the way for the construction of the Black Volta Gold Mine to move forward, a project expected to deliver significant benefits to the Ghanaian economy and people.
The statement said the initiative had been achieved through the support and leadership of the government and particularly the actions of the Minister and the Minerals Commission. The Minister’s strong leadership assures investors that Ghana remains one of Africa’s most attractive and stable mining destinations and gives both local communities and international partners renewed confidence in investing in Ghana.
As part of this, Professor Prince Ofori Amponsah has agreed to join the Board of Azumah Ghana and replace Mr James Wallbank as Chairman. Azumah Ghana will now be led by Ghanaians, with 100 per cent of its employees being Ghanaians. Professor Amponsah said, ‘After 14 years consulting with Azumah in various capacities, I am proud to realise the aspirations of our founder and the respected Ghanaian geologist, Mr Paul Amoako-Atta. Azumah will become the first truly Ghanaian Gold Mining Company. This is a turning point for the project, and we are committed to moving quickly into development and ensuring that the benefits are felt directly by the people of Wa through jobs, contracts for Ghanaian firms, and community development.’
The statement said, ‘Azumah’s international shareholders have agreed to allow more local participation, in accordance with Ghanaian law, as the legal action has been dropped. This will ensure Ghana receives the maximum benefit. This is a wonderful example of the Government of Ghana listening to the people of Ghana and working with miners to solve this situation together and establish a win-win outcome for Ghana and reinforce its profile as one of the world’s leading destinations for mining investment.’
The project is expected to result in investment of more than USD$100 million in the Upper West Region of Ghana and create more than 1,000 jobs for Ghanaians during the construction, with a further 420 full-time personnel during operation.