The Earl International Group, a mining company operating in the Upper East Region of Ghana, has appealed to the government to curb illegal mining activities threatening its operations as it moves forward with expansion plans.
During a meeting on Wednesday with the Upper East Regional Minister Akamugri Donatus Atanga, executives of the company announced their goal of doubling their workforce to 2,000 by the end of 2025.
However, they stressed the urgent need for the government’s intervention to address the rising encroachment of illegal miners on their concession areas.
Led by General Manager Li Jian Guo and Public Relations Officer Ebenezer Bognab, the company delegation underscored the firm’s economic contributions since its establishment in the Talensi District in 2008.
Bognab noted that Earl International Group currently employs 1,000 workers and intends to expand operations by developing new mining shafts.
The company raised concerns about illegal mining, locally known as galamsey which they claim poses a serious threat to their activities. Mine Manager Firibus Sallia detailed how unauthorized miners have dug tunnels linking to Earl International’s concession, causing flooding in mining pits and forcing a temporary shutdown of operations for two weeks.
Akamugri Donatus assured the company of the government’s commitment to upholding legal mining operations.
Applauding Earl International’s role in regional development, he aligned the government’s stance with President John Mahama’s anti-galamsey campaign.
The Minister cautioned against vigilante action, urging the company to report illegal activities through official channels.
He further encouraged Earl International to consider expanding its workforce to 5000, citing job creation as a means to mitigate unemployment and crime in the region.
Akamugri reaffirmed that the Regional Coordinating Council would enforce mining regulations and address security concerns, stressing the importance of collaboration between the company and the government to ensure a safe and productive mining environment.
Earl International executives welcomed the government’s support and reaffirmed their commitment to compliance with industry guidelines while working alongside authorities to tackle the galamsey menace effectively.
Source: www.kumasimail.com/Joseph Ziem
