Develop Ghana’s iron and steel industry – Jinapor charges GIISDEC Board
Jinapor swearing in the new board
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, has reiterated the importance of iron and steel in the attainment of the government’s industrialisation agenda.
According to him, government’s plan for the automobile and railway industries hinge on the consistent availability of the iron and steel hence it’s importance to the government.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Board for the Ghana Integrated Iron & Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC) on, Wednesday, September 1, 2021, the Minister said President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo views the corporation as a strategic institution in the success of his administration hence the need for the board to deliver on their mandate.
Mr Jinapor said it is trite knowledge that other countries which have developed did so on the back of the effective exploitation of their iron resources and Ghana must follow that same trajectory for growth.
He indicated his confidence in the Board Chair and its members to drive the corporation on a path to become the go-to place for iron and steel in the country and the sub-region.
“As Deputy Chief of Staff, I saw at first hand the importance the President attached to this corporation and their mandate. It is an extremely important corporation and I believe that, that is not lost on all of us. It is important because if we are to achieve the goals of the government and the country, one of the most fundamental pillars on which it is anchored is the efficient and responsible exploitation of the iron resources of the country”, he said.
“It is common knowledge that all the developed countries of the world did so on the back of iron and steel. You cannot industrialise without an iron and steel industry. Today, in Ghana we are proudly assemblers of automobile industries but if we are to build an automobile industry in Ghana and build our own cars, it means GIISDEC must succeed and be fit for it purpose”, he added.
While stressing on the need for effective collaboration between the board and management, the Minister insisted that there must be clear distinction between the board as a policy formulation arm and management as a policy implementation arm.
He believes that this fundamental and significant corporate practice will prevent clash of duties and roles and ensure a mutually-respectful and successful working relationship between the board and management.
For his part, the Chairman of the Board, Umar- Farouk Aliu Mahama, also a Member of Parliament for Yendi, expressed his appreciation on behalf of the board for having chosen them and promised to work with all enthusiasm.
He stressed that with the support of his members they will hit the ground running and deliver on the mandate given.
He also gave the assurance that by the end of 2024, the board members will ensure they put Ghana on the map through a developed iron and steel industry.
The other Board members include George Mireku Duker, a Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Kwabena Bonsu Fordwor, the CEO of GIISDEC, Michael Okyere Baafi, MP for New Juaben South, Martin Kwaku Ayisi, Kay F Amoah Esq, Ernest Kusi, Hanifa Yahaya Esq and a representative from the Ministry of Finance.
