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Add value to gold to increase foreign
exchange-Indigenous Miners
Accra, July 12, GNA – Mrs. Judy Nakuor Crayem, President of
the Association of Indigenous Miners on Thursday said the
traditional export of gold without adding value has deprived
the country of the required foreign exchange from the
mineral.
She said adding value to gold before export could increase
the mineral's price by about 60 per cent, hence the need for
a shift in the marketing approach to maximise profits.
Speaking to newsmen in Accra to launch the "Gold Statement
2007", Mrs Crayem said it was imperative for Ghana, one of
the major exporters of gold worldwide, to reflect on ways to
use the mineral to respond to certain needs of the economy
since past achievements had not been encouraging.
She said although the country exports 2.5 million ounces of
gold per annum, the mineral could also be used to raise
money through tourism, youth employment generation and
jewellery manufacturing.
According to her, the jewellery industry was not doing so
well in the country as a result of the import of cheaper
jewels from other countries, saying, “Well thought-out
marketing strategies will make Ghana a focal place for the
purchase of jewellery, internally and within the ECOWAS
sub-region".
On tourism, she hinted that the Association in collaboration
with the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations would
establish Gold Mausoleums and Gold Markets in all mining
districts to attract tourists and make the mineral easily
available.
She said the Association in collaboration with the Ministry
and the College of Jewellery would also hold a Gold
Exhibition and Conference to bring to the fore opportunities
and challenges confronting the sector.
She said the event which would be on the theme: Celebrating
50 Years of Gold Discovery" would showcase gold merchandise
and royal ornaments, and increase customer awareness and
knowledge on the mineral.
Mrs. Crayem called on the Government to empower indigenous
or small-scale mining industry to boost production within
the sector and implement proposals submitted to it.
She also appealed for training programmes and other
logistical support from Government to help bridge the gap
between their operations and that of their multinational
counterparts.
GNA
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