Report By: Ishmael Barfi
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), has launched a stakeholder forum aimed at ensuring equitable distribution of mineral wealth in Ghana.
The forum, themed “Sustainable Mineral Wealth: Ensuring Equitable Benefits for All,” seeks to promote visionary leadership that channels mineral revenue toward developmental projects in mining-affected communities, traditional authorities, and local governments.
Mining is a significant contributor to the Ghanaian economy, accounting for 40% of the country’s foreign exchange earnings and 5.7% of its GDP, with gold representing over 90% of total mineral exports.
Established in 2016, the Minerals Development Fund has the potential to transform mining communities and drive development projects that benefit local residents, traditional authorities, and local governments.
During the gathering, Dr. Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei, the MDF Administrator, expressed renewed optimism under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, the initiator of the MDF, to realize its vision of improving the lives of those living in mining communities.
She also announced plans to train 1,500 young individuals with disabilities in fabrication and other skills.
Additionally, she introduced a zero-cost farming initiative that includes a project for a 100,000-fish farm and a fish processing plant.
Addressing ongoing challenges, Dr. Bisiw-Kotei condemned illegal mining, highlighting its environmental consequences, such as water pollution and farmland destruction.
She pledged to collaborate with relevant institutions to combat these issues.
The MDF is regarded as a catalyst for transformation, implementing sustainable projects with lasting impacts for future generations.
In a speech delivered on her behalf by Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Advisor to the Vice President and former Local Government Minister, she reiterated that “the true treasure of national progress lies not in extracting natural resources, but in elevating lives from poverty, empowering communities, and fairly distributing dividends.”
Additionally, she stated, “We must work together to ensure that mineral revenues are managed transparently and accountably, with the benefits of mining shared equitably among all stakeholders.”
Looking ahead, Her Excellency Vice President Jane Opoku-Agyemang stressed the importance of open dialogue to ensure equitable distribution of mineral wealth, to liftempoweres out of poverty and empowering them.
The MDF will prioritize developmental projects, including income-generating initiatives, to benefit mining communities and promote sustainable mining practices.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
