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Thursday, July 23, 2009

Ghana Institute of Planners holds AGM


Accra, July 22, GNA - Ms. Sherry Aryitey, Minister of Environment Science and Technology, has noted that fundamental challenges in Town Planning and Urban Management ultimately increase conflict between mining companies and host communities.

She mentioned that poor developmental practices, lack of enforcement of basic planning regulations and the absence of pro-active town planning principles contributed to less productive and liveable index in most mining communities.

Ms. Aryitey said these at the opening of the Annual General Meeting of the Ghana Institute of Planners (GIP), meant to expose the general public to settlement planning in mining areas.

She said the sprawling nature of mining towns would affect land supply, which would also increase the conflicts between mining companies and the host communities.

Ms. Ayitey said the Ministry would liaise with the Land Valuation Board, to review the rate of compensation paid to land owners and to reconsider procedures for obtaining small-scale mining licenses and registration of small scale mining operators.

Mr. Frank Tackie, President of the GIP, said there was the need to revisit basic principles of development whereby the Town and Country Planning Department became the "engine room" for envisioning the future growth and development of towns.

"It will help prepare plans and integrate the socio-economic growth agenda into a detailed physical plan", he added.

Mr. Stephen Sarfo Yirenkyi, a Manager at the Tarkwa Mines, said the mining towns seemed to be concentrated in the Western Region and called for more planning and management to of the communities to increase productivity.

He said last year, the mining industry accounted for 43.7 percentage of gross export revenue which reinforced its position to a higher standard.

Ms. Joyce Aryee, Chief Executive of Chamber of Mines, said the country had enormous resources that needed to be exploited but cautioned, "That should not bring about destruction in the event of extracting them".

She appealed to the government to ensure the enforcement of laws governing the mining industry adding "Until we take a closer look at activities that will not be friendly to the environment and do away with them, they will be always problems".

GNA

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