Make iron, steel exploitation beneficial to Ghanaians – Akufo Addo to GIISDC Governing Board

Make iron, steel exploitation beneficial to Ghanaians – Akufo Addo to GIISDC Governing Board

President of the Republic Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo has charged the first board of the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation to ensure that the exploitation of the iron ore and steel deposits of the country is carried out in a manner that will fully benefit the people of Ghana.

Addressing the nine (9) member board after administering the Oaths of Office and Secrecy to them at a swearing-in ceremony held at the Jubilee House, President Akufo Addo said for too long, the resources that are in the soil of Ghana are exploited for the benefit of outsiders and it is time to change the narrative.

“In several other areas whether it is gold or diamond or whatever, our direct take from them is largely minimal and nominal. We want to change that narrative and that is why we have brought the nine of you together to spearhead this new era in the country’s development” President Akufo Addo said.

“You can imagine the significance of Ghana being able to produce steel itself without having to import it or depend on others. You can imagine the implications that will have in driving the industrial development of our nation” the President added.

The Peoples Interest First

The President cautioned the members of the board to know that they have been elevated to the high office not for their personal benefit but wholly for the sake of the people of Ghana.

“You have not been put there for your own personal benefit and welfare. You have been put there to serve the interest of the people of this country and that should be your guiding principle” President Akufo Addo noted.

Chairperson’s Response

Responding to the charge of the President on behalf of his colleagues, Prince Andani Imoro, Chairperson of the GIISDC Governing Board, said they “understood the task ahead and they will live up to the trust and work to make sure that things happen”.
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“We will do very little talk today, but I can assure you that we will deliver and make sure that the contribution is done to expand the economy, create jobs, sustainable income generation and all that. With God, we are confident things will happen” the Chairperson of the governing board said.

The GIISDC Board Members

The Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation Act 2019, (Act 988) having been passed by Parliament, was assented to by the President on the 13th of May 2019. The Act established the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation to promote and develop an integrated iron and steel industry and provide for related matters. The nine-member Governing Board has Prince Andani Imoro, as it’s Chairperson. The members are Kwabena Bonsu Fordwor, Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, Augustus Kwasi Adu, Representative from Ministry of Finance, Matthew Tawiah Ababio, Representative from Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and Patrick Yaw Nimo Representative from Ministry of Trade and Industry.

The rest is Kwaku Addai Antwi-Boasiako, Chief Executive Officer of Minerals Commission. Hon. John Ntim Fordjour, Kwamina Archer Frimpong and Ms. Hanifa Yahaya, the only female member of the board, are all nominees of the President on the Governing Board.

Source: kasapafmonline.com