Jinapor seeks large-scale miners for Dollar Power
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, has urged the investor community to collaborate with the government in establishing a large-scale mining operation in Dollar Power, located in the Bole District of the Savannah Region.
According to available geological data, the Dollar Power enclave is richly mineralized, with substantial gold deposits, making it feasible for large-scale mining operations.
Dollar Power, formerly known as Sindi Community, is situated along the Ghana–Ivory Coast International Boundary Line in the Savannah Region, approximately 20 km from the District Capital, Bole.
Despite being uninhabited after a raid by slave traders in 1897, the area attracted people from both countries due to significant gold deposits, leading to the destruction of Boundary Pillars and teak trees.
As of 2005, about 3,000 inhabitants, mainly engaged in small-scale mining, now reside in the area.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has been working with the Ghana Boundary Commission and counterparts in Ivory Coast since 2021 to reaffirm Boundary Lines and regularize small-scale mining activities.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, accompanied by a team from the Ministries of Lands and Natural Resources and Roads and Highways, inspected the progress of road construction and infrastructure in Dollar Power on January 31, 2024.
Mr. Jinapor emphasized that geological data indicates substantial gold deposits, making large-scale mining commercially viable in the area.
To attract investment, the government is constructing a 24 km feeder road from Ntereso in the Bole District to Dollar Power and another 25 km feeder road from Sapelliga in the Upper East Region to Dollar Power.
These construction projects, undertaken by the 48 Engineers of the Ghana Armed Forces, are expected to be completed by the middle of the year.
In addition to road construction, the government is committed to establishing a community mining scheme in the area to regulate small-scale mining activities.
Mr. Jinapor directed the Minerals Commission and the Ghana Geological Survey Authority to expedite the establishment of the community mining scheme.
He called on the community to support the government in regulating mining operations and identifying individuals engaged in illegal mining, particularly in river bodies.
The Chief of Dollar Power, Sindiwura Mahama Awudu Abott, expressed gratitude for the road construction, emphasizing its positive impact on economic and social activities.
He thanked the government for its commitment to establishing a community mining scheme and bringing large-scale mining operations to the community.
The Chief also requested the construction of a bridge over the Black Volta to aid transportation and trade, enhance community safety, and urged the restoration of destroyed Boundary Pillars and teak trees to secure the border and prevent encroachment.
