Ghana Chamber of Mines calls for increase in mineral royalties to host communities

The Ghana Chamber of Mines has urged the government to revise the country's mineral royalty system and raise the share allocated to mining communities from 8% to 30%, according to a statement by the Chamber's Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Dr Kenneth Ashigbey. Ashigbey made this proposal during the Inter-Mine First Aid and Safety Competition held in the Ahafo Region's Kenyasi.

He argued that the existing 8% allocation is insufficient for meaningful development in mining host communities, which continue to grapple with critical developmental challenges despite generating substantial revenue for the government through taxes and other payments. Ashigbey stated that it is unjust for the government to utilize mining-derived revenue for development in other parts of the country while neglecting the needs of communities directly hosting mining operations.

He called for a review of the royalty framework to 30% to alleviate these pressing issues. Ashigbey also highlighted the inadequate developmental levels in many mining host communities across the country, emphasizing the disparity between the economic contributions of these regions and their actual living conditions. The Chamber of Mines CEO solicited support from traditional authorities, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives, religious leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders in advocating for the royalty increase.

He encouraged these stakeholders to collaborate in pressuring the government to adjust the framework and allocate a higher percentage to mining communities, thereby facilitating accelerated development and improved living standards for residents.