Ghana Chamber of Mines CEO urges gov’t to set up mineral revenue fund
Dr. Toni Aubyn, the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Chamber of Mines, has appealed to Government to establish a mineral revenue fund to support development in mining areas.
He said people living in mining areas complained that the mining companies have done virtually nothing for them because of the numerous taxes the companies pay to government.
Dr. Aubyn made the call when the Ghana Manganese Company Limited (GMCL) organized a stakeholders’ meeting for its catchment communities to present to their 2012 Community Relations budget.
He said government needed to increase the 5.5 percent of royalties paid to chiefs in mining areas to develop their communities, to 20 percent.
Mr. Jurgen Eijgendeal, Managing Director of GMCL, said the company has established a Corporate Social Responsibility budget to support projects in their catchment communities.
He said since the formation of the Esuaso Divisional Stool Council budget of the Chamber has increased from GH¢50,000 in 2002 to $579,000 in 2012.
Mr. Eijgendeal said the budget would cover infrastructural projects, scholarships and sponsorship to individuals.
Mr. Wisdom Adjei Mensah, Human Resource and Administrative Manager of GMCL, said the company and the traditional rulers would work together to transform the area.
Source: GNA
I think its a good idea because most of the mining towns are less developed which should not be so. And we hope his appeal will be granted.