The minister designate for Lands and Natural resources Mr. Peter Amewu has hinted that as part of NPP government’s policy, 20% of mining royalties would be given to mining communities instead of the previous 10%.

Mr. Amewu said this at the commissioning of the resettlement project at the Edikan mine in Ayanfuri.

Reiterating that, the policy of the government of Nana Addo is to ensure that mining communities receive a higher share of mining royalties,which was why government was committed in reducing its current share of 80% to 70%, adding the 10% to double the community share.

The additional 10% to the communities, he said, would be giving to the District Assemblies to be used specifically for infrastructure developments in mining communities, to help ensure that more value was detained in mining communities for development.

Mr.Amewu promised to be environmentally conscious in granting mining leases when approved by Parliament in order to ensure protection of the environment and its biodiversity.

Additionally, the ministry would ensure that mineral revenues were efficiently managed for the benefit of Ghanaians.

The minister designate hinted of the enactment of a Consolidated Mineral Revenue Management Law,similar to the petroleum Revenue Management Act 2011(Act 815),to guide the use of mineral revenues in strategic sectors of the economy.

He assured the youths engaged in Small Scale Mining in restructuring of the sector, so that activities could take place within guidelines set up under the appropriate regulations,adding,it would enable small scale miners to work and earn their livelihoods in a regulated secure and lawful environment.

He commended Perseus Mining(Ghana) Ltd for creating over 2,340 jobs out of which 899 were from the local communities, and the housing project,and also urged them to continue such Cooperate Social Responsibilities to ensure progress and development in their operating communities.

The Chief Executive Officer Perseus Mining Ltd, Mr. Jeff Quartermaine observed, the company aside providing financial resources for sustainable development to its catchment areas,has also contributed to poverty alleviation, advancement of education, promotion of agriculture, health improvement, cultural heritage and sports.

Additionally,the company has contributed Ghc 3.9 million from 2011 to date into ” Edikan Trust Fund to be used by the community to undertake projects they have selected, whilst,US$300,000
is paid annually into the fund.

Mr.Quartermaine noted,the company through the fund had funded School projects, CHIPS Compounds,teachers quarters, aqua privy toilets, community water projects and nurses’ quarters.

He said the fund has also provided financial assistance to support 82 students studying in tertiary and second cycle institutions.

He emphasized that the 201 housing unit including 187 houses,12 institutional buildings including two schools, three churches, a 13 unit commercial facility, a community center,and yet to be built Chief’s Palace,and Police Post handed over to the Ayanfuri community as part of the phase 1 resettlement package programme has cost the company about GHc 120 million.

The package included a network of accessible roads,6.8km of drains,extension of overhead power lines, streetlights, a robust small town water distribution system supplied by two mechanized boreholes,a fire hydrant and two waste skip stations.

Raymond Kwofie

 

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