Accra, Ghana: Ghana and Tanzania continue to strengthen institutional cooperation in the implementation of Local Content policies with the aim of increasing the participation of local citizens in the mining value chains, strengthening the capacity of local institutions and ensuring that economic benefits remain within the country.
This was stated during an official exchange visit between representatives of the Tanzania Mining Commission and the Ghana Mining Commission, which aimed to learn and share best practices, policies and systems for the implementation of Local Content in the mining sector.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairperson of the Tanzanian Participation Committee in the Mining Sector, Dr. Theresia Numbi, said that the Local Content policy is not only a legal requirement but also an important tool to stimulate national development, industrialization and economic empowerment of the people.
“I would like to emphasize that Local Content in the mining sector is a strong foundation for national development, industry and economic empowerment in Tanzania”, he added that ..
“The Mining Policy of 2009, the Mining Act Chapter 123 and the Mining (Local Content) Regulations of 2018, require the Mining Commission to coordinate, supervise and ensure the effective implementation of Local Content throughout the mining value chain”, said Dr. Numbi.
He commended the Ghana Mining Commission for its hospitality and warm welcome, while highlighting the achievements made in Tanzania where employment for Tanzanians in the mining sector has reached 98%, with local procurement of goods and services increasing to 88% by 2025.
Dr. Numbi said the visit will lay the foundation for a long-term and strategic partnership between the Tanzania Mining Commission and the Ghana Mining Commission, which will also be an important reference for other African countries in the implementation of Local Content policies.
“This partnership is a key step in building a sustainable mining sector in Africa, which will contribute to economic growth, employment and social development”, said Dr. Numbi
He said the partnership agreement will be implemented through joint training programs, exchange of experts and strengthening legal and institutional frameworks to ensure that the benefits of mineral resources fully benefit the local people.
The Executive Director of the Ghana Mining Commission, Mr. Isaac Tandoh, welcomed the delegation from Tanzania and pledged to continue close cooperation between the two countries in the mining sector.
He said the partnership aims to exchange knowledge, technology and experience in the regulation, extraction and trade of minerals, as part of joint efforts to promote the sustainable development of the mining sector in Africa.
During the visit, experts from both sides discussed key issues including human resource capacity building, technology transfer, knowledge inheritance plans and better monitoring and accountability systems with a view to addressing challenges such as limited mineral exploration and the development of higher value-added industries.
