S.K. Boafo (3rd left) and other Board members of Minerals Commission
Mining companies have been urged to retain substantial portion of their export earnings in Ghana.
S.K. Boafo, Board Chairman of the Minerals Commission, who made the appeal, disclosed this when he led the board on a tour of the two operational sites of Asanko Gold Mine in the Ashanti Region.
The board chairman commended Asanko Gold for repatriating all of its gold export earnings (100%) back into the country for its operations.
According to Mr S.K. Boafo, the visit to Asanko Gold was in line with the Board’s strategy to familiarize itself with mining operating companies in the country to help shape policies for the sector.
He used the occasion to appeal to Asanko Gold to ensure that in their future community re-settlement projects, they should model the project to befit mining communities that should be a showpiece for the industry in Ghana.
He commended the company for varied community development projects and local content initiatives currently underway.
In a presentation to the Minerals Commission Board members, Executive General Manager of Asanko Gold, Charles Amoah, said that Asanko is managed by highly skilled technical, operational, sustainability and financial professionals.
He said the company was strongly committed to the highest standards of environmental management, social responsibility, health and safety for employees and neighbouring communities.
Frederick Attakumah, the Senior President, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, on his part, stressed that Asanko Gold Ghana was focusing on local content as a mutually beneficial way of doing business and delivering on the government’s value chain integration strategy.
He mentioned that the company had partnered development-oriented organizations to pursue strategic investments that are self-sustaining and would benefit communities in the company’s catchment areas.
He said the company was utilizing its presence in the area as a catalyst for community development by delivering sustainable socio-economic outcomes to address social challenges.
Asanko Gold Ghana won the Ghana Mining Awards, Best Mining Company of the Year Awards in 2018.