05/03/2024
FIIAPP and the African Union have held the event in Accra to present the results of a study by the African Center for Minerals Development.
FIIAPP has supported the work of the African Minerals Development Center (AMDC) of the African Union in the five pilot countries where the study was conducted: Ghana, Zambia, Morocco, Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Following the assessment, the two organizations have begun holding seminars to disseminate the results and raise awareness of the application of the principles of the African Mining Vision. All this is part of the European TE-TAF project to support the AfCFTA and African continental economic integration.
The analysis, conducted in 2023 and validated by national experts, shows that Ghana has made good progress in following the six pillars of the African Mining Vision, as emphasized by national expert and lead author of the assessment, Theo Acheampong. The results also show some structural challenges such as illegal mining, difficulties in generating added value or the low presence of women in the industry.
On this last point, Georgette Barnes, president of the Women in Mining Ghana Association and one of the guest speakers at the event, emphasized the necessary commitment that must be made at the public and political level to fully appreciate the impact and socio-economic benefits that women’s participation in all aspects of natural resource management would bring to the industry.
The presentation catalyzed collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders, laying the groundwork for effective policies and practices that can lead Ghana to ensure that minerals play a greater transformative role in the sustainable development of the nation and the continent.
The sensitization event in Ghana is the first of five that will be held throughout the first half of 2024 in these countries. The results and outreach events of these serve as a reference for the AMDC to assess the gaps and requirements needed to develop sustainable management of mineral resources in Africa, as well as to provide continuity to the work done by the AMDC.
