The new Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission has defended his appointment following concerns about his previous role as the chief lobbyist for mining companies.
Dr.Tony Aubynn has dismissed suggestions that the chamber of mines under his tenure was always in conflict with the Minerals Commission over disagreements on key industry issues.
His critics also say he may not be effective in his new position due to issues of conflict of interest having been the Chamber of Mines boss.
But speaking to Citi Business News Dr.Aubynn said he would be committed to government’s objectives at the Commission.
“Personally anyone who has followed me and the things I have said before know they have all been said with Ghana in focus”. He said.
According to Dr. Aubynn, his track record in initiating projects to develop local mining communities and improve the living the standards of the people in mining communities must not be downplayed.
He said,” Some people have forgotten that we were the people advocating for more royalty payment to the communities for development, and I have been very active in ensuring Ghanaian involvement in mining”.
Dr.Toni Aubynn replaces Mr. Benjamin Aryee who after thirty years of service at the Commission, thirteen of which were in the capacity of Chief Executive, moves to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
By: Rabiu Alhassan/citifmonline.com/Ghana