The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, has reiterated government’s commitment to develop an iron and steel industry that is well-placed to support the country’s industrial growth.
According to him, Ghana’s quest to become a hub for automobile and railway industries, among others, would not be realised without a supportive iron and steel industry.
As a developing country, he said, Ghana had no option than to build an iron and steel industry to further job creation and development.
The Minister was speaking in Accra yesterday during the inauguration of a nine-member Board of Directors for the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC).
Chaired by Umar-Farouk Aliu-Mahama, Member of Parliament (MP) of Yendi, other members are Kwame Bonsu Fordwor, CEO, GIISDEC; George Mireku Duker, Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources; Michael Okyere Baafi, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry.
The rest are Martin Ayisi, Acting CEO, Minerals Commission; yet-to-be-named representative from the Ministry of Finance and three nominees from the Presidency, Kay F. Amoah, Ernest Kusi and HanifaYahaya.
Mr Jinapor noted that a buoyant iron and steel industry was critical in meeting the country’s goals and objectives on growth and development as well as creating opportunities for all.
He said the government would ensure efficient exploitation of Ghana’s resources in support of the achievement of efforts to build an industrialised country.
As a corporate organisation, the Minister charged the board to work in line with their mandate as required by law and offer the necessary support to the management to push the corporation towards growth.
“I expect the board and the management to respect the principles of corporate structure. The board is to develop policies for it to be implemented by the management.
Let’s ensure this is the order of the day while we work in unity, peace and oneness of purpose,” Mr Jinapor stated.
On behalf of the other board members, Mr Aliu-Mahama expressed gratitude to the government and pledged to collaborate with the management to make Ghana a hub for iron and steel industry.
He said, the Corporation would, within a year, undertake an exercise to know Ghana’s iron ore deposits to inform investors.
As part of job creation efforts, he stated that the board would develop an ambitious plan to establish factories across the country.
BY CLAUDE NYARKO ADAMS