The Ghana Chamber of Mines has appealed to the government to release monies that go to the Mineral Development Fund (MDF) on time to enable the fund to also release same to beneficiary District Assemblies to embark on developmental projects.
The fund was set up through the MDF Act, 2016 (Act 912) to provide development projects in mining communities that have been negatively impacted by mining activities. The fund derives its resources from 20 percent of minerals royalties from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), holders of mining leases, money approved by Parliament, grants, donations, and gifts, as well as investments made by the Minerals Development Fund Board.
However, there have been complaints of delay in the release of funds by the Ministry of Finance, which is affecting development in some mining areas across the country.
Speaking to the media shortly after a stakeholders’ engagement in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region on the operations of the Ghana Chamber of Mines and how mining districts can leverage on the presence of a mine for sustainable development, the Director of External Relations and Communications at the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ahmed Nantogmah urged the government to release monies to the MDF to enable the fund also release same to the assemblies.
He said, “… so we have proposed to the government to try and increase the royalties that they send to communities. I think the government is working through the Minerals Development Fund. So, I’m sure they will try and find a way around it. Talking about the fund, we mentioned the issue of the capping of the resources. So, once they get enough resources, I’m sure they can take enough back to the communities. … we’re appealing to the government to release the monies that go to the MDF, for them to also release to the administration of Stool lands, and then for it to get back into the assemblies.”
Mr. Nantogmah further admonished District Assemblies to invest funds from the MDF in projects that bring results to the communities and charged them to desist from spending the Minerals Development Fund on recurrent expenditures.
“And when the funds get to assemblies, they should tie it to specific projects. They shouldn’t use the money for recurrent expenditure. They should invest in projects with sustainable benefits, like revenue-generating activities. We want them to be innovative and investment-oriented, so they can get more money from what they invest with their share of the fund. Other taxes can be used for recurring expenditure.”
Mr. Nantogmah commended the traditional leaders, the district assemblies, Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited, and all stakeholders who participated in the program and reiterated the Chamber’s commitment to working with them to build a better society.
“We have learned a lot from here. We have heard from the traditional authorities, from the district assemblies as well, to deepen the dialogue, to include more women, and more children, and make it more often. So, for us, it’s a work in progress. Whatever we have learned from here, we’ll apply it, and make sure we engage more on the issues around mining and development.” Mr. Nantogmah said.
By Ebo Bruce-Quansah, Bolgatanga