The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Kenneth Ashigbey, has called for a significant increase in the share of mining royalties allocated to host communities, arguing that sustained investment in infrastructure is essential for transforming mining areas and driving long-term economic development.
Mr Ashigbey made the call during an inspection of road projects being funded by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF) in communities within its operational area in the Western Region.
He said the current allocation of eight per cent of mining royalties to traditional and local authorities was insufficient and proposed that the share be increased to at least 30 per cent, with the funds directed toward strategic infrastructure and development projects.
“People often say they want Tarkwa to become like Johannesburg, but that can only happen through sustained investment in our host communities,” he said.
The inspection was undertaken by the GFGF Board of Trustees to assess progress on key road projects, including the 14.21-kilometre Samahu-Pepesa road and the 2.26-kilometre Budo City Junction to Bogoso Junction road.
The Samahu-Pepesa road is currently 35.84 per cent complete and is expected to be finished by October 2027, while the Budo City Junction to Bogoso Junction road has reached 76.84 per cent completion and is scheduled for completion by June 2027.
Mr Ashigbey said partnerships between government and mining companies could accelerate infrastructure development in mining communities and create opportunities for increased economic activity.
“For instance, the 2.26-kilometre road that Gold Fields is constructing, if the government adds a little to it, we would see gradual and sustained development in the communities,” he stated.
He argued that improved roads and other infrastructure would enhance agricultural production, trade and local economic growth, ultimately generating greater revenue for the country.
A member of the GFGF Board of Trustees, Dr Catherine Kuupol Kuutor, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the projects and commended the contractors, consultants and traditional authorities for their cooperation.
She noted that the projects were based on the needs and priorities identified by the beneficiary communities.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Prestea Huni-Valley, Matthew Aryeh, said the Samahu-Pepesa road served six communities and was a vital transport route for cocoa and poultry farmers who depended on access to markets in Bogoso.
He said the project would significantly improve transportation, reduce travel difficulties for farmers and ease pressure on the municipal assembly’s road maintenance resources.
Mr Aryeh appealed to community members and traditional leaders to continue supporting the contractors to ensure the timely completion of the projects.
