Draft to ensure equitable distribution of Mineral Development Fund

A draft on the Mineral Development Fund is to be distributed to stakeholders in the mining industry for their final input to facilitate the judicious exploitation and utilisation of the nation's mineral and geological resources.

The Bill when finalised would also ensure that traditional authorities, the district assemblies and the communities got their royalties on time. Mr Kwadwo Adjei-Darko, Minister of Mines and energy announced this when the Ghana Chamber of Mines presented two computers, two printers and a photocopier valued at 50 million cedis to the young ministry at a ceremony in Accra.

The items would enhance operations at the ministry to find a lasting solution to the problems currently facing the mining industry. The Minister said to enable the ministry to perform its functions effectively it would need certain basic facilities and, therefore, welcomed the donation.

Mr James Kwamena Anaman, President of the Chamber of Mines, who made the presentation said the Chamber, had taken note " that this is the first time in the country's history that affairs of the nation's mining industry are being handled by a substantive ministry".

He called for a partnership between government and the Chamber to promote the capacity building effort of the ministry. For the first time in five years, he said, Ghana had been represented at the annual conference on investment in mining in Africa in Cape town, South Africa.

The conference enables African Mining Ministers to meet the world's leading mining companies and investors to review the progress or otherwise of the global mining industry.

"As a chamber, we are of the opinion that if we assisted in adequately resourcing our sector ministry, it will in turn assist the Chamber in its determination to actively and continuously promote responsible mining in Ghana, Mr Anaman noted.