NewzPresident John Dramani Mahama has called on Newmont to do more to support communities affected by its mining operations in the Ahafo Region through expanded corporate social responsibility initiatives. The President made the call when the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, led by its President, Nana Barima Twereku Ampem III, paid a courtesy visit to him at the Presidency in Accra. The chiefs used the meeting to raise development concerns in the region, including the contribution of mining companies to host communities.
President Mahama said he had taken note of the chiefs’ concerns regarding Newmont’s corporate social responsibility projects and welcomed the company’s existing contribution to development in the region. He said such support was particularly important because mining communities should benefit from the resources extracted from their lands. “That is exactly what we expect from responsible corporate citizens, especially mining companies operating in extractive communities,” he said.
The President noted that Newmont had already contributed to projects including road construction and the completion of the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs building. However, he said there was scope for the mining company to increase its contribution to communities hosting its operations. “I believe there is much more Newmont can do for the benefit of the mining communities,” President Mahama said, while assuring the chiefs that government would continue working with traditional authorities and other stakeholders to advance development in the region.
President John Dramani Mahama has urged traditional leaders to take a greater interest in the development of their respective districts and work closely with District Chief Executives to ensure public resources are used effectively. He said chiefs have an important role to play in monitoring development initiatives at the local level, particularly as government continues to channel more resources directly to District Assemblies. President Mahama made the call when a delegation of the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, led by its President, Nana Barima Twereku Ampem III, paid a courtesy call on him at the Presidency in Accra.
The President said government had directed that 80 per cent of the District Assemblies Common Fund be allocated directly to the districts, a move he said had improved the financing of local development. He added that the Finance Minister now releases the funds promptly every quarter. President Mahama therefore encouraged chiefs to work with District Chief Executives to ensure the resources are properly applied to projects that respond to the needs of their communities.
He also announced plans to construct one 24-hour market in each of Ghana’s 261 districts. “Markets stimulate economic activity and provide outlets for farmers to sell their produce and improve their income,” he said. President Mahama said the government would consider extending the market initiative to other economically viable traditional markets after the completion of the district-level projects.
Summary from source