The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has encouraged Ghanaian entrepreneurs into the production of mining supplies and services.

He indicated that many of the mining inputs imported in large volumes, could be produced locally.

He said this was vital to enable the nation to derive optimal economic benefits from the sector.

Mr. Koney was interacting with journalists in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital.

He highlighted the need to take deliberate steps towards industrialization on the back of the mining industry.

He announced that the sector contributed 46 per cent of the country’s foreign earnings, last year.

It also provided in excess of 11,000 jobs and gave to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), a total of GH?1.6 billion.

Mr. Koney urged everybody to be patriotic - stop fronting and aiding foreigners to take control of the gold mining industry.

He said they could not mortgage their birthright and that Ghanaians should take charge of the mineral resource.

He noted that the mining sector had been attracting the highest direct foreign investment because the people had not shown strong desire and interest to invest in that area.

That, he added, needed to radically change, urging the people to put their money there.